AGWAY INC
S-3, 1998-08-31
GRAIN MILL PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>

            AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON
                      AUGUST 31, 1998 REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                               ------------------

                                    FORM S-3
             REGISTRATION STATEMENT under THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               ------------------

                                                       AGWAY
              AGWAY INC.                        FINANCIAL CORPORATION
     (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS           (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS 
       SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)               SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
               DELAWARE                                DELAWARE
       (STATE OF INCORPORATION)                (STATE OF INCORPORATION)
              15-0277720                              06-1174232
 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
         333 BUTTERNUT DRIVE,                  1105 NORTH MARKET STREET,
        DEWITT, NEW YORK 13214                 WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19801
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
             315-449-6431                           302-654-8371

                              DAVID M. HAYES, Esq.
                                   AGWAY INC.
                                    BOX 4933
                          Syracuse, New York 13221-4933
                                  315-449-6436
                     (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                               ------------------


     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
     As soon as practicable on or after the effective date of this  Registration
Statement.
  If the only securities being registered on the Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.
                                                                           ----
  If any of the securities  being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous  basis  pursuant to Rule 415 under the  Securities  Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. X
                                            ---
  If this  Form is filed  to  register  additional  securities  for an  offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration  statement  number  of the  earlier
effective  registration  statement number of the earlier effective  registration
statement for the same offering.
                                ---

  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the  Securities  Act,  check  the  following  box and  list the  Securities  Act
registration  statement number of the earlier effective  registration  statement
for the same offering.
                      ---
                    
  If delivery  of the  prospectus  is expected to be made  pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.
                               ---
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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                                                               PROPOSED MAXIMUM   PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                         AMOUNT TO BE     OFFERING PRICE   AGGREGATE OFFERING     AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                     REGISTERED         PER UNIT             PRICE       REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                       <C>         <C>                 <C> 

AGWAY INC.
Guarantee of the Debt Securities...........          (1)                           (1)                None
8% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B....    10,000 shs             $100         $   1,000,000      $    295.00
Series HM Preferred Stock..................     4,000 shs             $ 25         $     100,000      $     29.50
Membership Common Stock....................     4,000 shs             $ 25         $     100,000      $     29.50
AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Guaranteed, Subordinated Member and
  Subordinated Money Market Certificates... $ 200,000,000             100%         $ 200,000,000      $ 59,000.00
Guaranteed, Subordinated Member and
  Subordinated Money Market Certificates
  under the Interest Reinvestment Option... $  45,000,000             100%         $  45,000,000      $ 13,275.00
                                                                                                      -----------
                                                                                                      $ 72,629.00
                                                                                                      =========== 
</TABLE>
(1) No consideration will be received by Agway Inc. for the Guarantee.
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     The registrants  hereby amend this  registration  statement on such date or
dates as may be  necessary  to delay its  effective  date until the  registrants
shall file a further amendment which specifically  states that this registration
statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the  Securities  Act of 1933 or until the  registration  statement  shall become
effective on such date as the Commission,  acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.



<PAGE>
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                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED AUGUST 31, 1998
PROSPECTUS
(logo)

                                   AGWAY INC.
                                       AND
                           AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Price to    Underwriting Discounts     Proceeds to
                  Title of Class (1)                          Public       or Commissions (2)       Companies (3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                      <C>               <C>   
AGWAY INC.
Guarantee of Debt Securities                                      --              None                       --
8% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B
       Per Unit                                          $          100           None              $          100
       Total                                             $    1,000,000           None              $    1,000,000
Series HM Preferred Stock (4)
       Per Unit                                          $           25           None              $           25
       Total                                             $      100,000           None              $      100,000
Membership Common Stock (5)
       Per Unit                                          $           25           None              $           25
       Total                                             $      100,000           None              $      100,000
AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Guaranteed, Subordinated Money Market Certificates 
(minimums 6.75% and 7.00% per annum) due October 31,
2013 (6)
       Per Unit (7)                                                100%           None              $    100/5,000
       Total                                             $   30,000,000           None              $   30,000,000
Guaranteed, Subordinated Member Money Market
Certificates (minimums 7.25% and 7.50% per annum)
due October 31, 2013 (6)
       Per Unit (7)                                                100%           None              $    100/5,000
       Total                                             $   80,000,000           None              $   80,000,000
Guaranteed, Subordinated Money Market Certificates 
(minimum 7.75% per annum) due October 31, 2004 (6)
       Per Unit                                                    100%           None              $        2,000
       Total                                             $   40,000,000           None              $   40,000,000
Guaranteed, Subordinated Money Market Certificates
(minimum 8.00% per annum) due October 31, 2006 (6)
       Per Unit                                                    100%           None              $        2,000
       Total                                             $   50,000,000           None              $   50,000,000
Guaranteed, Subordinated Member and Subordinated Money
Market Certificates under the Interest Reinvestment 
Option (ranging from minimum of 4.5% to 9.5% per annum)
due from October 31, 1998 through October 31, 2013
       Per Unit                                                    100%           None
       Total                                             $   45,000,000           None              $   45,000,000
</TABLE>
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       WHILE THE MONEY MARKET  CERTIFICATES  WILL, AT A MINIMUM,  PAY THE STATED
RATE OF INTEREST, A HIGHER RATE MAY BE PAID BASED UPON THE TREASURY BILL RATE.
       The Certificates bear interest payable semiannually in arrears on January
1 and July 1 of each year. The  Certificates are redeemable at the option of the
Company.  A complete  description of the securities  offered by Agway  Financial
Corporation ("AFC") is set forth on pages 10 through 20 herein.
       There is no market  for any of the  offered  securities  other  than that
provided by Agway Inc. (Agway) and AFC (together the "Companies")  through their
practice of repurchasing  certain  outstanding  securities  whenever  registered
holders  elect to tender them for  repurchase.  The  Companies  do not intend to
follow this  practice  with  respect to the 7.75% and 8.00%  Subordinated  Money
Market Certificates due October 31, 2004 and 2006 (the "7.75%  Certificates" and
the "8.0% Certificates"), respectively, described herein.
       The  Company  may,  from  time to time  prior  to the  completion  of the
offering of the  Certificates,  change the rate of  interest  or  maturity  date
offered by filing a supplement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Any
change in the interest rate or maturity date offered will not affect the rate of
interest on or maturity date of any Certificates theretofore issued.
       FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN  FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION  WITH
AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES  OFFERED HEREBY,  SEE THE "RISK FACTORS" SECTION
OF THIS PROSPECTUS SET FORTH ON PAGE 4.

                         FOOTNOTES ARE LOCATED ON PAGE 2
                         THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS
                                                                               
                                        1
<PAGE>
FOOTNOTES:
(1)    See pages 10 through 20 for a description of the securities being offered
       and qualifications of the purchaser.
(2)    The  securities  offered  by this  Prospectus  are being  offered  by the
       Companies through their employees. No commission or other remuneration is
       being paid directly or indirectly to such persons in connection  with the
       offer and sale of the securities.
(3)    It is  assumed  that all  securities  offered  are sold and the amount of
       proceeds is before deduction of estimated  expenses of $176,700.  Because
       there is no underwriting of the securities offered, there is no assurance
       that all or any part of the  indicated  proceeds  will be received by the
       Companies from the offering of the securities.
(4)    The Series HM Preferred  Stock may be purchased only by former members of
       Agway Inc.
(5)    The Membership  Common Stock may be purchased only by persons entitled to
       membership in Agway Inc.
(6)    The  Certificates  issued  with  minimum  purchase  amounts of $2,000 and
       $5,000  bear  interest  at a  rate  equal  to  the  greater  of  (1)  the
       Certificates'  stated rate and (2) the Treasury  Bill Rate, as defined on
       page 14. The  Certificates  issued with minimum  purchase amounts of $100
       bear  interest  at a rate equal to the  greater of (1) the  Certificates'
       stated rate and (2) one-half  percent (.5%) below the Treasury Bill Rate,
       as defined  on page 14. 
(7)    Certificates  with the same maturity date bearing  lower  interest  rates
       will be issued  in  minimum  denominations  of $100,  while  Certificates
       bearing a higher interest rate will be issued in minimum denominations of
       $5,000.
(8)    The   Certificates   are  unsecured   obligations   of  the  Company  and
       subordinated to all Senior Debt (as defined herein) of the Company. As of
       August  26,  1998,  Senior  Debt  of  $19,150,000  was  outstanding.  See
       "Description of the Certificates - Subordination Provisions."

                                ----------------
NO  DEALER,  SALESMAN  OR ANY  OTHER  PERSON  HAS  BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS; ANY
INFORMATION OR  REPRESENTATION  NOT CONTAINED  HEREIN MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANIES.  THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES  OTHER THAN
THE SECURITIES  COVERED BY THIS  PROSPECTUS;  NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL,  IN ANY STATE TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL  FOR THE  COMPANIES  TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES,  CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT
THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANIES SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.

                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Agway is a cooperative  association as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act
of 1929 and as such is exempt  from  certain  registration,  proxy  and  insider
trading provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. AFC is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Agway.  All holders of Membership  Common Stock and/or  securities
receive an Annual Report in November of each year which contains the information
called for by Rule  14A-3(b).  A Prospectus is also sent in January of each year
to all holders of securities who have elected the interest  reinvestment option.
The Annual  Report  contains  financial  information  that has been  audited and
reported upon, with an opinion expressed by certified public accountants.  Other
holders of securities  may obtain an Annual  Report or  Prospectus  upon request
from: Patricia Edwards,  Assistant Secretary, P. O. Box 4761, Syracuse, New York
13221;  Telephone:  315-449-6311.  Agway  shall  file  with the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission  supplementary  and  periodic  information,  documents  and
reports  required of issuers under  Sections  13(a) and 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  Reports and other  information  filed with the Commission
can be  inspected  and copied at the  public  reference  facilities  of the SEC,
Judiciary  Plaza, 450 Fifth Street N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549 as well as the
following Regional Offices: 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048; and Citicorp Center,  500 West Madison Street,  Suite 1400,  Chicago,  IL
60661-2511. Copies of such materials can be obtained by mail from the Commission
at prescribed  rates.  Requests should be directed to the SEC's Public Reference
Section.  The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a web site which
contains information regarding registrants who file electronically,  the "EDGAR"
data   base.   The   web   site   address   for   the   EDGAR   data   base   is
http://www.sec.gov/edgarhp.htm.  In  addition,  materials  may be  inspected  or
obtained  at 333  Butternut  Drive,  DeWitt,  New York  13214  (P.  O. Box 4933,
Syracuse, New York, 13221; Telephone: 315-449-6436).

                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The Companies  hereby  incorporate by reference into this  Prospectus the Annual
Report of Agway on Form 10-K filed on August 27, 1998, for the fiscal year ended
June 30,  1998,  pursuant to Section 13 of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934
(File Number  2-22791).  In exemptive  relief  granted  pursuant to a "no action
letter"  by the staff of the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  AFC,  as a
separate company, is not required to file periodic reports with respect to these
debt securities but does report summarized AFC financial  information in Agway's
financial statement footnotes.
                                                                               
                                        2
<PAGE>



           INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE - CONTINUED

All  reports and other  documents  filed by Agway  pursuant  to Sections  13(a),
13(c),  14 and 15(d) of the 1934 Act  subsequent to the date of this  Prospectus
and prior to the termination of the offering of the Certificates hereunder shall
be deemed to be  incorporated  by reference  herein and to be a part hereof from
the date of the filing of such reports and documents.  To the extent a statement
or information included in any document  incorporated by reference is superseded
or modified by a statement or information  included in any subsequent  documents
incorporated  by  reference,  the  statement or  information  so  superseded  or
modified shall not constitute a part of this Prospectus.

The Companies will provide a copy of any of the foregoing documents incorporated
herein by reference (other than exhibits to such  documents),  without charge to
each person to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered,  upon the written or
oral request of any such person to: Patricia Edwards, Assistant Secretary, P. O.
Box 4761, Syracuse, New York 13221, Telephone: 315-449-6311.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Companies .............................................................    3
Risk Factors ..............................................................    4
Selected Financial Data and Ratio of Margins ..............................    7
Use of Proceeds ...........................................................    9
Description of Securities to be Registered ................................   10
Legal Opinion .............................................................   21
Experts ...................................................................   21
Distribution and Redemption of Securities Offered .........................   21
Absence of Public Market, Redemption and Market Risk ......................   21
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                                  THE COMPANIES

Agway Inc.,  incorporated under the Delaware General Corporation Law in 1964 and
headquartered at 333 Butternut Drive,  DeWitt, New York, 13214 (Telephone Number
315-449-6431), is an agricultural cooperative directly engaged in manufacturing,
processing,  distribution  and  marketing  of  products  and  services  for  its
farmer-members and other customers principally in twelve northeastern states.

AFC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Agway, is a Delaware corporation  incorporated
in  1986  with  principal   executive  offices  at  1105  North  Market  Street,
Wilmington,  Delaware  19801  (Telephone  Number  302-654-8371).  AFC's business
activities  consist primarily of securing  financing through bank borrowings and
issuance of corporate debt instruments to provide funds to its sole stockholder,
Agway,  and AFC's wholly owned  subsidiary,  Agway Holdings,  Inc. (AHI) and its
subsidiaries,  for general  corporate  purposes.  The payment of  principal  and
interest  on  bank  borrowings  and on  the  debt  securities  offered  by  this
Prospectus is guaranteed by Agway. This guarantee is full and unconditional, and
joint and several.  AFC,  through  certain  subsidiaries  of AHI, is involved in
retail and wholesale sales of farm supplies,  yard and garden products, pet food
and pet  supplies;  the  distribution  of petroleum  products;  repackaging  and
marketing of produce; processing and marketing sunflower seeds; the underwriting
and sale of certain types of property and casualty insurance; the sale of health
insurance; and lease financing.



                                                                               
                                        3

<PAGE>



                                  RISK FACTORS

SUBORDINATION.  The Money Market  Certificates (the  "Certificates")  offered by
this Prospectus are unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinated to
all Senior Debt (as defined in "Description of the  Certificates - Subordination
Provisions") of the Company. Therefore, in the event of bankruptcy,  liquidation
or  reorganization  of  the  Company,  its  assets  will  be  available  to  pay
obligations  under the Certificates  only after all Senior Debt has been paid in
full, and there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any
or all of the Certificates then outstanding.  As of August 26, 1998, Senior Debt
of  $19,150,000  was  outstanding.   See  "Description  of  the  Certificates  -
Subordination Provisions."

LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER.  The Series HM Preferred Stock,  the Membership  Common
Stock, the 7.25% Member  Certificates and the 7.50% Member  Certificates may not
be  transferred,  except in certain  very limited  circumstances.  The Series HM
Preferred  Stock and the Membership  Common Stock may not be  transferred  other
than to Agway,  except with  Agway's  written  consent  endorsed on the relevant
certificate.  Pursuant to its By-laws, Agway will permit transfers of such stock
only to persons who were Agway  members.  See  "Description  of Honorary  Member
Preferred   Stock,   Series  HM  Limitations  on  Ownership  and  Transfer"  and
"Description  of  Membership   Common  Stock  -  Limitations  on  Ownership  and
Transfer."  The 7.25%  and 7.50%  Member  Certificates  may not be  transferred,
except  by  will  or  operation  of law.  The  6.75%,  7.00%,  7.75%  and  8.00%
Certificates  are  freely  transferable.  See  "Description  of  Certificates  -
Limitations on Ownership and Transfer."

ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET,  REDEMPTION AND MARKET RISK. As noted above, there are
substantial  restrictions on the transfer of the Membership Common Stock, Series
HM Preferred  Stock and the Member  Certificates.  With respect to  Certificates
that are freely transferable, there is no market for such Certificates and there
is no  intention  on the part of the  Companies to create or encourage a trading
mechanism  for those  Certificates.  The  Companies do not intend to apply for a
listing of the  Certificates on any securities  exchange.  The secondary  market
for, and the market value of, the  Certificates  will be affected by a number of
factors  independent  of the  creditworthiness  of Agway and AFC,  including the
level and direction of interest rates,  the remaining  period to maturity of the
Certificates,  the right of the Companies to redeem the Certificates,  the right
of the Company to issue Certificates at interest rates higher than the rates for
Certificates   previously  issued,   the  aggregate   principal  amount  of  the
Certificates and the availability of comparable  investments.  In addition,  the
market value of the Certificates may be affected by numerous other  interrelated
factors,  including factors that affect the U.S. corporate debt market generally
and  Agway  and AFC  specifically.  There is no  assurance  that in the event of
redemption  the investor  will be able to reinvest  the  proceeds in  comparable
securities at an effective  interest  rate as high as that of the  Certificates.
Certificate  holders  should  rely  solely on the  Companies'  ability  to repay
principal at maturity of the offered Certificates as the source for liquidity in
this investment. See "Description of Certificates - Interest Rates," "Redemption
Provisions" and "Repurchase Practice."

MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON AGWAY'S  EQUITY.  The incidents of ownership of
Agway's   Membership   Common  Stock  and  Series  HM  Preferred   Stock  differ
considerably  from those of common  stock and  preferred  stock  ownership  in a
typical business corporation.  The Membership Common Stock may be purchased only
by persons  entitled to membership in the Company.  Only farmers and cooperative
organizations  of farmers who purchase  farm supplies or services or market farm
products  through  Agway may be members.  Series HM Preferred  Stock can only be
purchased  by former  Agway  members.  By  reason  of the fact that  Agway is an
agricultural  cooperative,  its  Membership  Common Stock  primarily  serves the
purpose  of  evidencing  membership  in  Agway  (or,  in the case of  Series  HM
Preferred Stock, former membership) rather than of evidencing an equity interest
in Agway.  The equity  claim of  Membership  Common  stockholders  and Series HM
Preferred stockholders to the assets of Agway is measured by, and restricted to,
the $25 par value of the share, plus dividends  declared and unpaid, if any, for
the current year. See "Description of Membership  Common Stock" and "Description
of Honorary Member Preferred Stock, Series HM."

NO UNDERWRITING;  NO MINIMUM.  The offering of securities hereunder is not being
underwritten,  there is no assurance that all or any of the  securities  offered
hereby will be sold, and there is no minimum amount of securities  which must be
sold as a condition to the sale of the securities  hereunder.  In the event that
all or a significant  portion of the securities offered hereby are not sold, the
Company  would use  alternative  financing  already  in place to repay  maturing
securities  and may  secure  additional  alternative  sources of  financing,  if
needed.  If the Company  deems it  necessary  to secure  additional  alternative
financing,  there can be no  assurance  that it will be able to do so or that it
will be able to do so on terms that are similar to or as  favorable  as those of
the securities offered hereby.


                                                                               
                                        4

<PAGE>



                            RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

AGRICULTURAL  ECONOMY AND OTHER FACTORS.  The financial condition of the Company
can be directly  affected by factors affecting the agricultural  economy,  since
these factors  impact the demand for the  Company's  products and the ability of
its customers to make payments for products  already  purchased  through  credit
extended by the  Company.  These  factors  include:  (i)  changes in  government
agricultural  programs  (e.g.,  milk  marketing  orders  and  acreage  reduction
programs)  that may  adversely  affect the level of income of  customers  of the
Company;  (ii)  weather-related  conditions  which  periodically  occur that can
impact the agricultural productivity and income of the customers of the Company;
and  (iii)  the  relationship  of demand  relative  to  supply  of  agricultural
commodities  produced  by  customers  of the  Company.  The  Company can also be
affected by major international  events, like the downturn in the Asian economy,
which can affect such things as the price of commodities the Company uses in its
operations as well as the general level of interest rates.

Federal  agricultural  legislation,  formally  known as The Federal  Agriculture
Improvement  and Reform Act of 1996, was signed into law on April 4, 1996.  This
legislation  replaced  the former  program of variable  price-linked  deficiency
payments with fixed payments to farmers which decline over a seven-year  period.
This  legislation  also eliminated  federal  planting  restrictions  and acreage
controls  allowing farmers more flexibility to plant for the market.  The impact
of this legislation on the agricultural  economy, and on the financial condition
of the  Company,  is not  expected  to be  significant  in the  short-term.  The
longer-term  impact on the  financial  condition  of the Company of such a major
change in the federal  government's  role in agriculture  cannot be predicted at
this time.

The Company's energy business is impacted by factors such as weather  conditions
in the  Northeast  and the  relationship  of supply  and  demand  for  petroleum
products  worldwide  as  well as  within  Agway's  market.  Agway's  retail  and
insurance  businesses  can be  impacted  by weather  conditions  as well as from
fluctuations in the economy in the northeastern  United States that, in general,
affect consumer demand for products.  To the extent that these factors adversely
affect the  customers of the  Company,  the  financial  condition of the Company
could be adversely affected.

COMMODITY  PRICE RISK.  The Company has exposure to adverse  price  fluctuations
associated with certain commodity inventories, product gross margins and certain
anticipated  transactions in its Agriculture  and Energy  segments.  Commodities
such as corn,  soy complex,  oats,  wheat,  gasoline,  fuel oil, and propane are
purchased at market prices which are subject to  volatility.  In order to manage
the  risk  of  market  price  fluctuations,  the  Company  enters  into  various
exchange-traded   futures  and  option  contracts  and  over-the-counter  option
contracts  with third  parties.  The Company  closely  monitors  and manages its
exposure  to  market  price  risk on a daily  basis in  accordance  with  formal
policies  established for this activity.  However,  due to the volatility of the
commodities  market,  the Company may experience  losses (as well as gains) from
the use of such contracts during the year. Any losses (or gains) from the use of
such contracts may or may not be realized at the same level in future years.

INTEREST RATE RISK. Telmark, the Company's leasing business,  endeavors to limit
the effects of changes in interest rates by matching as closely as possible,  on
an ongoing basis, the maturity and repricing  characteristics  of funds borrowed
to finance its lease activities with the maturity and repricing  characteristics
of its lease portfolio. However, a rise in interest rate would increase the cost
of that portion of debt which is not precisely matched to the characteristics of
the portfolio and could lower the value of  outstanding  leases in the secondary
market. In addition,  higher interest rates, inasmuch as they would increase the
cost of funds  borrowed by the Company,  would also  increase the cost of leases
and could decrease demand for leases.

ENVIRONMENTAL  ISSUES.  The  Company  is  subject  to a number  of  governmental
regulations concerning  environmental matters, either directly or as a result of
the operations of its subsidiaries. The Company expects that it will be required
to expend funds to  participate in the  remediation of certain sites,  including
sites where the  Company has been  designated  by the  Environmental  Protection
Agency (EPA) as a potentially  responsible  party (PRP) under the  Comprehensive
Environmental Response,  Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and sites with
underground  fuel storage tanks,  and will incur other expenses  associated with
environmental compliance.



                                                                               
                                        5

<PAGE>



                            RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (CONTINUED)
At June 30, 1998, the Company has been  designated as a PRP under CERCLA or as a
third party to the original PRPs in several Superfund sites. The liability under
CERCLA is joint and several,  meaning that the Company  could be required to pay
in  excess  of  its  pro  rata  share  of  remediation   costs.   The  Company's
understanding  of the financial  strength of other PRPs at these Superfund sites
has been considered,  where appropriate,  in the Company's  determination of its
estimated liability.

The Company  continually  monitors  its  operations  with  respect to  potential
environmental  issues,  including  changes in  legally  mandated  standards  and
remediation  technologies.  Agway's recorded  liability  reflects those specific
issues where  remediation  activities  are  currently  deemed to be probable and
where the cost of  remediation  is  estimable.  Estimates  of the  extent of the
Company's  degree of  responsibility  of a  particular  site and the  method and
ultimate  cost of  remediation  require  a number of  assumptions  for which the
ultimate  outcome  may differ  from  current  estimates;  however,  the  Company
believes that its past experience provides a reasonable basis for estimating its
liability.  As additional information becomes available,  estimates are adjusted
as necessary.  While the Company does not  anticipate  that any such  adjustment
would be material to its financial  statements,  it is reasonably  possible that
the result of ongoing and/or future environmental studies or other factors could
alter this expectation and require the recording of additional liabilities.  The
extent or amount of such events, if any, cannot be estimated at this time.

YEAR  2000.  The  approach  of the year 2000  presents  potential  issues to all
organizations  who use  computers in the conduct of their  business or depend on
business   partners  who  use   computers.   To  the  extent   computer  use  is
date-sensitive,  hardware or software that  recognizes  the year by the last two
digits may  erroneously  recognize  "00" as 1900 rather  than 2000,  which could
result in errors or system  failures.  Agway  utilizes a number of computers and
computer software (systems) in the conduct of its business. Many systems are for
specific business segments and others have broader  corporate-wide  use. Systems
are  principally  involved  in  the  flow  of  information  rather  than  in the
processing, manufacturing, and distributing operations.

The  Company  has  completed  significant  assessments  in  its  major  business
operations,  continues to assess all of these areas,  and has  developed  or, in
some cases, is in the process of developing the implementation  plans to address
the issues identified.  The Company  anticipates that solutions to all year 2000
areas above will be implemented and tested no later than December 1999.

The Company engaged an  international  consulting firm in March 1998 to evaluate
the  Company's  approach  to year 2000  plans  and  implementation  compared  to
industry "best practices."  Based on this review,  the Company has increased the
involvement of higher-level  management to assure a focus on the  implementation
timetable and the development of specific  contingency  plans, and has initiated
development of a more comprehensive enterprise-wide testing environment to be in
place by December 1998.

The year 2000  compliance  issue is an uncertainty  that is  continuously  being
monitored as the Company  implements  its plans.  Based on the work performed to
date, the Company presently believes that the likelihood of the year 2000 having
a  material  effect  on the  results  of  operations,  liquidity,  or  financial
condition is remote.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  it is not presently clear
that all parts of the  country's  infrastructure,  including  such things as the
national   banking  systems,   electrical   power,   transportation   of  goods,
communications,  and governmental  activities,  will be fully functioning as the
year 2000 approaches. To the extent failure occurs in such activities, which are
outside the Company's  control,  it could affect the Company's sources of supply
and the  Company's  ability to service  its  customers  with the same  degree of
effectiveness  with which they are served presently.  The Company is identifying
elements  of  the  infrastructure  that  are  of  greater  significance  to  its
operations,  obtaining information on an ongoing basis as to their expected year
2000 readiness, and determining alternative solutions if required.

See Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of
Operations (Item 7) and Quantitative  and Qualitative  Disclosures  about Market
Risk (Item 7a) in Agway Inc.'s most recently filed Form 10-K.

                                                                               
                                        6

<PAGE>



       SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF AGWAY INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                         AND RATIO OF MARGINS (EARNINGS)
            (Thousands of Dollars Except Per Share and Ratio Amounts)

The  following   Selected   Financial  Data  of  the  Company  and  Consolidated
Subsidiaries has been derived from consolidated  financial statements audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1997
and 1996 is  included in the Annual  Report on Form 10-K,  and should be read in
conjunction with the full consolidated  financial  statements of the Company and
Notes thereto.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       (In Thousands of Dollars Except Per Share Amounts)
                               --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Years Ended June 30
                               --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   1998          1997          1996          1995           1994
                               -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------

<S>                            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>        
Net sales and revenues (1)..   $ 1,562,943   $ 1,671,714   $ 1,663,085   $ 1,592,857    $ 1,695,129

Margin (loss) from
  continuing operations (2)    $    12,798   $    10,670   $    11,147   $    (7,800)   $       555

Net margin (loss)(2)(3)(4) .   $    41,754   $    10,670   $    12,662   $   (15,730)   $    (3,445)

Total assets(1) ............   $ 1,418,231   $ 1,300,261   $ 1,245,891   $ 1,225,193    $ 1,273,958

Total long-term debt .......   $   354,529   $   330,371   $   291,666   $   268,310    $   253,104

Total long-term subordinated
   debt ....................   $   462,196   $   438,127   $   414,927   $   399,064    $   407,144

Cash dividends per share
   of common stock .........   $      1.50   $      1.50   $      1.50   $      1.50    $      1.50
</TABLE>

(1) Certain amounts reported in fiscal years ended June 30, 1994-1997, have been
    reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

(2) The  1994  data   reflects  a  $6,065  credit  before  taxes  from  business
    restructuring;  1995 data  reflects  a credit  before  taxes  from  business
    restructuring of $3,248; and 1996 data reflects a $1,943 credit before taxes
    from business restructuring.

(3) The  1994  data  reflects  an  after-tax   operating  loss  of  $4,000  from
    discontinued operations;  1995 data reflects an after-tax loss of $12,360 in
    discontinued operations related to Hood and an after-tax gain on the sale of
    Curtice  Burns of $4,430;  and 1996 data  reflects an after-tax  gain on the
    sale of Hood of $1,515, net of operating losses until the time of sale.

(4) Effective  July 1, 1997, the Company  changed its method of determining  the
    market-related  value  of its  plan  assets  under  Statement  of  Financial
    Accounting  Standards (SFAS) No. 87, "Accounting for Pensions." A cumulative
    effect adjustment, net of tax, of $28,956 increased net margin in 1998.

                                                                               
                                        7

<PAGE>



       SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF AGWAY INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                         AND RATIO OF MARGINS (EARNINGS)
            (Thousands of Dollars Except Per Share and Ratio Amounts)

RATIO OF MARGINS (EARNINGS)

For purposes of this ratio, margins from continuing operations represent margins
before (i) income taxes and  discontinued  operations and (ii) fixed charges and
preferred dividend requirements.  Fixed charges include interest on debt and the
interest  factor of rent.  The  pro-forma  ratio of  adjusted  margins  to fixed
charges and adjusted margins to fixed charges and preferred  dividends combined,
of Agway Inc.  (parent) as of June 30, 1998, after giving effect to the issuance
of the Certificates offered hereby, would be 2.6 and 2.1, respectively.

                                                              June 30,
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                    1998  1997  1996  1995  1994
                                                    ----  ----  ----  ----  ----
Ratio of adjusted margins to fixed charges:
   Agway Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries          1.3   1.2   1.3   *     1.1
                                                     ===   ===   ===   ===   ===
   Agway Inc.(1)                                     3.1   1.4   3.8   1.6   *
                                                     ===   ===   ===   ===   ===
Ratio of adjusted margins to fixed charges
 and preferred dividends combined:
   Agway Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries          1.2   1.1   1.2   *     *
                                                     ===   ===   ===   ===   ===
   Agway Inc.(1)                                     2.4   1.2   2.5   2.0   *
                                                     ===   ===   ===   ===   ===

*Adjusted  net margin is  inadequate to cover fixed charges or fixed charges and
preferred dividends combined. See below for amount deficient.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   June 30,
                                              ------------------------------------------------
                                                1998      1997       1996      1995      1994
                                              -------   --------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C> 
Deficiency of adjusted net margins to
 total fixed charges:
   Agway Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries     N/D        N/D       N/D     $ 6,053     N/D
                                              =======   ========   =======   =======   =======  
   Agway Inc. (1)                               N/D        N/D       N/D        N/D    $17,330
                                              =======   ========   =======   =======   =======     
Deficiency  of  adjusted  net  margins  to
total  fixed  charges  and  preferred
   dividends combined:
   Agway Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries     N/D        N/D       N/D     $12,599   $31,530
                                              =======   ========   =======   =======   =======  
   Agway Inc. (1)                               N/D        N/D       N/D       N/D     $19,619
                                              =======   ========   =======   =======   =======      
</TABLE>

(1)      Parent-company  ratios  are  presented  since  all  of  AFC's  debt  is
         guaranteed by Agway Inc. This guarantee is full and unconditional,  and
         joint and several.

N/D      No deficiency.




                                                                               
                                        8

<PAGE>



                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

There is no underwriting of the securities offered;  thus, there is no assurance
that all or any of the proceeds  will be received.  The net proceeds of the sale
of the  offered  securities  will be no  greater  than  $245,000,000.  The funds
received will be applied by the Companies  approximately  in the relative  order
that follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               AGWAY           AFC          TOTAL             %
                                          ------------   ------------   ------------    ---------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Offering expenses                         $      1,000   $    175,700   $    176,700          .07
Repurchase of outstanding securities         2,500,000     99,600,000    102,100,000        41.67
Redemption of short- and long-term debt              0    142,723,300    142,723,300        58.26
                                          ------------   ------------   ------------    ---------
                                          $  2,501,000   $242,499,000   $245,000,000       100.0%
                                          ============   ============   ============    =========
</TABLE>

Although  the  exact  amount is  presently  indeterminable,  it is  anticipated,
assuming  that all  securities  hereby  offered  are  sold,  that  approximately
$102,100,000 of the proceeds of this offering will be used for the repurchase of
outstanding  securities,  which is a  continuation  of a practice of providing a
market for the securities by  repurchasing  such securities (at par value in the
case of preferred and common stock,  and at the principal plus accrued  interest
in the case of debentures and money market certificates) as the holders (members
or other investors) elect to tender the securities for repurchase. Proceeds from
the offering pending its actual use will be used to pay down short-term debt. As
of August 26, 1998,  the range of interest  rates and  maturities  of short-term
debt that will be paid down was 5.54% - 5.56% and August 28, 1998  September  2,
1998, respectively. The practice of repurchasing securities will not be followed
with respect to the 7.75% Certificates and 8.00% Certificates  described herein.
To the extent  proceeds  are  available,  the  amounts of each type of  security
estimated to be repurchased within the next year are as follows:

                    Money Market Certificates   $ 98,400,000
                    Subordinated Debentures        1,200,000
                    Preferred Stock                2,400,000
                    Common Stock                     100,000
                                                ------------
                                                $102,100,000
                                                ============

As of August 26,  1998,  approximately  $77,400,000  of the above  money  market
certificates,  at rates of 6.50%-9.00%,  mature on October 31, 1998. Because the
remaining  securities  estimated to be  repurchased  are those  presented by the
holders,  the  Companies  cannot  determine at this time the  interest  rates or
maturities  of the  debt  securities  which  may  be  repurchased.  However,  as
described in detail under the heading "Description of the Interest  Reinvestment
Option" on page 19, the possible  range of interest rates and maturities is 4.5%
- - 9.5% and 1998 - 2013,  respectively.  If the proceeds of this offering are not
sufficient to provide funds for the  repurchase of all  securities  tendered for
repurchase,  Agway  intends to utilize  available  cash from other  sources  for
additional  repurchases.  Long-term  debt which may be paid  consists of capital
leases and non-compete payments.



                                                                               
                                        9

<PAGE>



                   DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED

AGWAY INC.

     DESCRIPTION OF 8% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES B ($100 PAR VALUE)

Agway is authorized to issue 250,000  shares of 8% cumulative  preferred  stock,
Series B, having a par value of $100 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock").
As of August 26, 1998,  235,780 shares of Series B Preferred  Stock,  with total
par value of $23,578,000,  were outstanding. The following summary of the Series
B Preferred  Stock is subject in all respects to the  provisions  of the amended
Certificate of  Incorporation  and By-laws of Agway,  which are  incorporated by
reference to this Registration Statement. The exhibits incorporated by reference
thereto may be obtained from the  Commission or from Agway in the same manner as
the  documents  described  under  "Available  Information"  on  page  2 of  this
Prospectus.

DIVIDEND RIGHTS.  The holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled
to cumulative  dividends at the rate of 8% per annum.  The 6% Series A Preferred
Stock has priority  with  respect to the payment of dividends  over the Series B
Preferred  Stock,  8% cumulative  preferred  stock,  Series B-1 (the "Series B-1
Preferred  Stock"),  7%  cumulative  preferred  stock,  Series C (the  "Series C
Preferred Stock"),  and Series HM Preferred Stock (as defined below).  There are
no restrictions  in any indenture or other  agreement  respecting the payment of
dividends on cumulative preferred stock.

VOTING RIGHTS.  The holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote
for directors,  to participate in meetings or management of Agway, or to vote in
any proceedings except in such statutory proceedings as to which their votes are
required by law.

LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of any distribution of assets in liquidation or
dissolution of Agway, all debts of Agway shall be paid before the holders of any
class or  series  of  preferred  stock  or  common  stock  are  entitled  to any
distribution  of assets.  If assets remain after all debts are paid, the holders
of the  Series A  Preferred  Stock  shall  receive  the full par value  thereof,
together with all cumulative dividends declared,  accrued, and unpaid to date of
distribution,  before  any funds  shall be  distributed  to  holders of Series B
Preferred Stock,  Series B-1 Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock or Series
HM  Preferred  Stock.  The  holders  of Series B  Preferred  Stock,  Series  B-1
Preferred  Stock,  Series C Preferred  Stock and Series HM Preferred Stock shall
first receive the full par value thereof, together with all cumulative dividends
accrued  and  unpaid  to  date  of  distribution,  before  any  funds  shall  be
distributed to holders of common stock of Agway, or credited to retained margins
of Agway.

GENERAL.  The Series B Preferred Stock has no pre-emptive or conversion  rights.
The shares of Series B Preferred  Stock will be, when issued,  duly  authorized,
validly issued and fully paid and  non-assessable  and the holders  thereof will
not be liable for any payment of Agway's debts.

TRANSFER.  Shares of Series B Preferred Stock are freely transferable.

REDEMPTION PROVISIONS. The Series B Preferred Stock is subject, at the option of
the Board of Directors,  to redemption,  as a whole or in part,  upon payment of
the par value  thereof  ($100 per share) with all accrued  dividends to the date
fixed for redemption. In case of partial redemption, shares to be redeemed shall
be drawn by lot.  There are no  restrictions  in any indenture or other document
respecting the redemption or purchase of shares by Agway.

REPURCHASE  PRACTICE.  While  there is no  guarantee  of  repurchase,  it is the
present  practice  of Agway to  repurchase,  at par,  the share of any holder of
Series B Preferred  Stock when presented for  repurchase,  and it is the present
intention of Agway to follow such practice in the future.

                                                                               
                                       10

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY INC. - (CONTINUED)

    DESCRIPTION OF HONORARY MEMBER PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES HM ($25 PAR VALUE)

Agway is authorized to issue 80,000 shares of Honorary  Member  preferred  stock
having a par value of $25 per share (the  "Series HM  Preferred  Stock").  As of
August 26, 1998, 2,571 shares of Series HM Preferred Stock, with total par value
of $64,275, were outstanding. The summary description of the Series HM Preferred
Stock which follows is subject in all respects to the  provisions of the amended
Certificate of  Incorporation  and By-laws of Agway,  which are  incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement.

LIMITATIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER.  Series HM Preferred  Stock may be issued
only to individuals who have previously held Agway  Membership  Common Stock. No
more than one share of such  stock may be issued to any one  person,  and Agway,
acting in its  capacity as transfer  agent,  prevents two shares being issued to
the same  person.  No  subscription  for this stock will be accepted  unless the
subscriber  was a  member  of  Agway.  Series  HM  Preferred  Stock  may  not be
transferred  other than to Agway except with its written consent endorsed on the
certificate.  Pursuant to its Bylaws,  Agway will permit  transfer of such stock
only to persons who were members in Agway and will limit  ownership of the stock
to one share per person.

DIVIDEND  RIGHTS.  The holders of the Series HM Preferred  Stock are entitled to
receive  annual  dividends,  when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors.
Dividends  are  non-cumulative.  There are no  restrictions  in any indenture or
other  agreement  respecting  the payment of  dividends  on Series HM  Preferred
Stock.

VOTING RIGHTS.  The holders of Series HM Preferred Stock have no voting rights.

LIQUIDATION RIGHTS. In the event of any distribution of assets in liquidation or
dissolution of Agway, all debts of Agway shall be paid before the holders of any
class or  series  of  preferred  stock  or  common  stock  are  entitled  to any
distribution  of assets.  If assets remain after all debts are paid, the holders
of the Series HM Preferred  Stock would be entitled,  subject to the liquidation
rights of the Series A Preferred  Stock,  Series B Preferred  Stock,  Series B-1
Preferred  Stock and Series C  Preferred  Stock,  to receive  only the par value
thereof ($25 per share) plus accrued dividends,  if any. Any net assets of Agway
remaining after payment of the par value and accrued  dividends on the Series HM
Preferred Stock would be distributed to the holders of the common stock of Agway
and any net assets remaining after the rights of such holders had been satisfied
would be distributed to the members and/or patrons of Agway to whom its retained
margin would be credited.

GENERAL.  The Series HM Preferred Stock has no pre-emptive or conversion rights.
The shares of Series HM Preferred Stock will be, when issued,  duly  authorized,
validly issued and fully paid and  non-assessable  and the holders  thereof will
not be liable for any payment of Agway's debts.

REDEMPTION  PROVISIONS.  The Series HM Preferred Stock is subject, at the option
of the Board of Directors, to redemption, as a whole or in part, upon payment of
the par value  thereof  ($25 per share) with all accrued  dividends  to the date
fixed for redemption. In case of partial redemption, shares to be redeemed shall
be drawn by lot.  There are no  restrictions  in any indenture or other document
respecting the redemption or purchase of shares by Agway.

REPURCHASE  PRACTICE.  While  there is no  guarantee  of  repurchase,  it is the
present  practice  of Agway to  repurchase,  at par,  the share of any holder of
Series HM Preferred Stock when presented for  repurchase,  and it is the present
intention of Agway to follow such practice in the future.

                                                                               
                                       11

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY INC. - (CONTINUED)

             DESCRIPTION OF MEMBERSHIP COMMON STOCK ($25 PAR VALUE)

Agway is authorized to issue 300,000 shares of membership  common stock having a
par value of $25 per share (the  "Membership  Common  Stock").  As of August 26,
1998, 102,133 shares of Membership Common Stock (74,592 shares active and 27,541
shares called by the Company but not surrendered by the holder),  with total par
value of $2,553,325, were outstanding. The summary description of the Membership
Common Stock which  follows is subject in all respects to the  provisions of the
amended   Certificate  of  Incorporation   and  By-laws  of  Agway,   which  are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.

LIMITATIONS  ON OWNERSHIP  AND TRANSFER.  Membership  Common Stock may be issued
only to persons  entitled to membership in Agway. No more than one share of such
stock may be issued to any one  person,  and Agway,  acting in its  capacity  as
transfer agent,  prevents two shares from being issued to the same person either
through new application or transfer. No subscription for Membership Common Stock
will be accepted  unless the subscriber is qualified for membership in Agway, as
determined  by a local  geographic  committee  applying  criteria  set  forth in
Agway's  By-laws.  Membership  in  Agway  consists  of  farmers  or  cooperative
organizations  of  farmers  who are record  holders  of one share of  Membership
Common Stock of Agway and who purchase  farm supplies or farm services or market
farm products through Agway, franchisees,  or certain dealers. Membership Common
Stock may not be transferred other than to Agway except with its written consent
endorsed on the certificate. Pursuant to its By-laws, Agway will permit transfer
of such stock only to persons  entitled  to  membership  in Agway and will limit
ownership  of the stock to one share per  person.  If any  holder of  Membership
Common Stock has ceased to be a member of Agway because the member has ceased to
be a farmer,  or because  the member has done no  business  with Agway since the
beginning of its  preceding  fiscal  year,  such stock held by the member may be
called for repurchase at the par value thereof, plus accrued dividends,  if any.
It is the present  intention  of Agway to call such stock for  repurchase  under
such  circumstances.  Stock not being  called  for  repurchase  would  allow the
continued rights and privileges of membership.

DIVIDEND  RIGHTS.  The holders of the  Membership  Common  Stock are entitled to
receive annual dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, up
to 8% per annum.  Dividends are  non-cumulative.  The holders of preferred stock
are  entitled to receive,  when,  as and if declared by the Board of  Directors,
preferential  dividends  before any  dividends  shall be declared or paid or set
aside for the Membership  Common Stock.  Such dividends are cumulative except in
the case of HM Preferred Stock. There are no other restrictions in any indenture
or other  agreement  respecting  the payment of dividends on  Membership  Common
Stock.

VOTING RIGHTS.  The Membership Common Stock carries the exclusive voting rights
of Agway, on the basis of one vote for each share of such stock.

LIQUIDATION  RIGHTS.  In  the  event  of  any  liquidation  of  Agway  or  other
disposition of its assets,  the holders of the Membership  Common Stock would be
entitled,  after all debts of Agway are paid,  subject to the liquidation rights
of the Series A Preferred  Stock,  the Series B Preferred  Stock, the Series B-1
Preferred  Stock, the Series C Preferred Stock and the Series HM Preferred Stock
to receive only the par value  thereof ($25 per share) plus  dividends  declared
and unpaid,  if any,  for the current  year.  Any net assets of Agway  remaining
after payment of the par value and accrued  dividends on the  Membership  Common
Stock would be  distributed  to the members  and/or patrons of Agway to whom its
retained margin would be credited.  No person is entitled to any distribution of
assets with respect to the retained margin or otherwise prior to the dissolution
of Agway.

GENERAL.  The Membership  Common Stock has no pre-emptive or conversion  rights.
The shares of  Membership  Common Stock will be, when issued,  duly  authorized,
validly issued and fully-paid and  non-assessable  and the holders  thereof will
not be liable for any payment of Agway's debts.

REDEMPTION PROVISIONS.  The Membership Common Stock is subject to redemption if
any holder ceases to be a member of Agway.

REPURCHASE  PRACTICE.  While  there is no  guarantee  of  repurchase,  it is the
present  practice  of Agway to  repurchase,  at par,  the share of any holder of
Membership  Common Stock when  presented for  repurchase,  and it is the present
intention of Agway to follow such practice in the future.

                                                                               
                                       12

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

The  following  are the  securities  currently  being  issued by AFC,  which are
guaranteed  by  Agway  (such   securities   being  referred  to  herein  as  the
"Certificates").  This  guarantee  is full  and  unconditional,  and  joint  and
several.  AFC may change the minimum  rate of interest  offered or the  maturity
date for Certificates  sold after the date of such change by filing a supplement
to this Prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission setting forth the
new terms.  Any change in the  interest  rate or maturity  date offered will not
affect the rate of interest on or maturity date of any Certificates  theretofore
issued. The Certificates include:

o    Subordinated  Money  Market  Certificates  (minimum  6.75% per  annum)  due
     October 31, 2013(the "6.75% Certificates")

o    Subordinated Member Money Market Certificates (minimum 7.25% per annum) due
     October 31, 2013 (the "7.25% Member Certificates")

o    Subordinated  Money  Market  Certificates  (minimum  7.00% per  annum)  due
     October 31, 2013 (the "7.00% Certificates")

o    Subordinated Member Money Market Certificates (minimum 7.50% per annum) due
     October 31, 2013 (the "7.50% Member Certificates")

o    Subordinated  Money  Market  Certificates  (minimum  7.75% per  annum)  due
     October 31, 2004 (the "7.75% Certificates")

o    Subordinated  Money  Market  Certificates  (minimum  8.00% per  annum)  due
     October 31, 2006 (the "8.00% Certificates")

o    Subordinated  Member and Subordinated  Money Market  Certificates under the
     Interest  Reinvestment  Option  (ranging  from  minimum of 4.5% to 9.5% per
     annum) due from October 31, 1998 through October 31, 2013


                                                                               
                                       13

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

                         DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES

INTEREST   RATES.   Interest  on  the  6.75%   Certificates   and  7.25%  Member
Certificates, issued in $100 denominations, is payable semiannually on January 1
and July 1, and at  maturity,  at a rate per  annum for each  semiannual  period
equal to the greater of (1) the  Certificates'  "stated rate" (the "stated rate"
is  6.75%  for  the  6.75%   Certificates   and  7.25%  for  the  7.25%   Member
Certificates); and (2) one-half percent (.5%) below the "Treasury Bill Rate" (as
defined below).

Interest on the 7.00%  Certificates  and 7.50%  Member  Certificates,  issued in
$5,000  denominations,  is payable  semiannually on January 1 and July 1, and at
maturity, at a rate per annum for each semiannual period equal to the greater of
(1) the  Certificates'  "stated  rate" (the "stated rate" is 7.00% for the 7.00%
Certificates and 7.50% for the 7.50% Member Certificates); and (2) the "Treasury
Bill Rate" (as defined below).

Interest on the 7.75% and 8.00% Certificates, issued in $2,000 denominations, is
payable  semiannually  on January 1 and July 1, and at  maturity,  at a rate per
annum for each semiannual  period equal to the greater of (1) the  Certificates'
"stated rate" (the "stated rate" is 7.75% for the 7.75%  Certificates  and 8.00%
for the 8.00%  Certificates);  and (2) the  "Treasury  Bill  Rate"  (as  defined
below).

U.S. Treasury bills are issued and traded on a discount basis, the amount of the
discount  being the  difference  between  their face value at maturity and their
sales  price.  The  per  annum  discount  rate  on a U.S.  Treasury  bill is the
percentage obtained by dividing the amount of the discount on such U.S. Treasury
bill by its face value at maturity and annualizing  such percentage on the basis
of a 360-day year.  The Federal  Reserve Board  currently  publishes  such rates
weekly in its  Statistical  Release  H.15  (519).  Unlike the  interest  on U.S.
Treasury bills,  interest on the Certificates  will not be exempt from state and
local income taxation.

The  "Treasury  Bill  Rate" for each  semiannual  interest  payment  date is the
arithmetic  average of the weekly per annum auction  average  discount  rates at
issue date for U.S.  Treasury bills with  maturities of 26 weeks (which may vary
from the market  discount rates for the same weeks),  as published for each week
by  the  Federal  Reserve  Board,  during  the  period  June 1 to  November  30,
inclusive, for the January 1 interest payment date or during the period December
1 to May 31,  inclusive,  for the July 1  interest  payment  date or during  the
period June 1 to September 30 for  interest  payable on the maturity  date (each
such period, an "Interest  Determination Period"). In the event that the Federal
Reserve  Board does not publish the weekly per annum  auction  average  discount
rate for a particular  week,  AFC shall select a publication of such rate by any
Federal Reserve Bank or any U.S.  Government  department or agency to be used in
computing the arithmetic average.  The Treasury Bill Rate will be rounded to the
nearest one hundredth of a percentage point.

In the event  that AFC in good faith  determines  that for any reason a Treasury
Bill Rate is not  published for a particular  week in an Interest  Determination
Period with respect to a particular  interest payment date or the maturity date,
as applicable,  an "Alternate  Rate" will be  substituted  for the Treasury Bill
Rate for such period and date. The Alternate Rate will be the arithmetic average
of the weekly per annum auction  average  discount  rates for those weeks in the
relevant  Interest  Determination  Period  for  which  rates  are  published  as
described above, if any, and the weekly per annum auction average discount rates
or market  discount rates or stated  interest  rates for comparable  issue(s) of
securities as is selected by AFC, with the concurrence of the Trustee, for those
weeks in the  Interest  Determination  Period for which no rate is  published as
described above. The Alternate Rate will be rounded to the nearest one hundredth
of a percentage point.

In the further event that AFC in good faith determines that neither the Treasury
Bill Rate nor  Alternate  Rate can be computed for the period June 1 to November
30,  inclusive,  for the  January  1  interest  payment  date or for the  period
December 1 to May 31, inclusive,  for the July 1 interest payment date, the rate
of interest  payable  with  respect to any  Certificate  will be the rate stated
thereon.

The last  interest  payment date for the  Certificates  is the date of maturity.
Interest  payable  on the  Certificates  at  maturity  shall  be  calculated  as
described  above,  during  the  period  June 1 to  September  30 in the  year of
maturity.



                                                                               
                                       14

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION - (CONTINUED)

                   DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES (CONTINUED)

The following chart sets forth for the periods indicated:

(1)  The "Treasury Bill Rate," as defined above.
(2)  The highest per annum discount rate on six month U.S. Treasury Bills at one
     of the 26 auctions during the period used to calculate  the  "Treasury Bill
     Rate."
(3)  The lowest per annum discount rate on six month U.S. Treasury Bills at one
     of the 26 auctions during the  period used  to calculate the "Treasury Bill
     Rate."

               Payment             Average
                Date         "Treasury Bill Rate"      High             Low
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Jan.-89               7.33%            8.13%            6.67%
               Jul.-89               8.53%            9.12%            8.21%
               Jan.-90               7.68%            8.08%            7.35%
               Jul.-90               7.70%            8.03%            7.30%
               Jan.-91               7.35%            7.75%            6.96%
               Jul.-91               6.05%            6.96%            5.61%
               Jan.-92               5.32%            5.97%            4.50%
               Jul.-92               3.97%            4.39%            3.71%
               Jan.-93               3.28%            3.90%            2.78%
               Jul.-93               3.13%            3.46%            2.95%
               Jan.-94               3.16%            3.30%            3.02%
               Jul.-94               3.71%            4.81%            3.14%
               Jan.-95               5.04%            5.85%            4.53%
               Jul.-95               6.01%            6.42%            5.65%
               Jan.-96               5.37%            5.61%            5.22%
               Jul.-96               5.01%            5.25%            4.71%
               Jan.-97               5.20%            5.38%            5.07%
               Jul.-97               5.18%            5.45%            4.97%
               Jan. 98               5.13%            5.26%            5.01%
               Jul. 98               5.11%            5.30%            4.91%

If the  Certificates  currently  being offered had been  outstanding  on July 1,
1998, the stated  interest rates would have been paid.  Although the period June
1, 1998 to November 30, 1998, is not complete as of the date of this  Prospectus
(and hence the Treasury Bill Rate for the January 1, 1999 interest  payment date
cannot yet be determined),  the average Treasury Bill Rate as of August 26, 1998
was 5.05%.

The six-month U.S.  Treasury Bill Rate has fluctuated  widely during the periods
shown in the chart. This rate can be expected to fluctuate in the future and may
vary beyond the ranges set forth in the above  chart.  These  fluctuations  will
cause the rate of  interest  payable  on the  Certificates  issued in $5,000 and
$2,000  denominations  to exceed the stated rate whenever the Treasury Bill Rate
exceeds the stated rate.  Interest  payable on the  Certificates  issued in $100
denominations  will exceed the stated rate when the  Treasury  Bill Rate exceeds
the stated rate by more than one-half percent (.5%).



                                                                               
                                       15

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION - (CONTINUED)

                   DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES (CONTINUED)

GENERAL.  On  November  24,  1997,  The Chase  Manhattan  Bank  assumed  Trustee
responsibilities  from  Mellon  Bank.  F.S.B.  pursuant  to the  purchase of the
corporate  trust  business of Mellon Bank.  Prior to the purchase,  Mellon Bank,
F.S.B. assumed Trustee responsibilities from Key Bank of New York pursuant to an
Agreement of Resignation,  Appointment and Acceptance dated September 3, 1996 by
and among KeyCorp, Key Bank of New York, Agway Financial  Corporation and Mellon
Bank.  AFC is  authorized  to issue the  Certificates  pursuant to the indenture
dated as of  August  23,  1989,  between  AFC and the Key Bank of New  York,  as
Trustee at that time, as supplemented by the supplemental indenture dated August
24, 1992. The indenture and supplemental  indenture are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement and reference is made thereto for a complete statement of
the terms and provisions of these Certificates.

The Certificates  bear interest payable  semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of
each year and at maturity at the rates quoted herein.  Principal and interest on
the Certificates will be payable at the office of the transfer agent,  Agway, in
DeWitt,  New  York.  Additional  amounts  may be added to the  principal  of any
Certificate pursuant to an election by the holder thereof to have the semiannual
interest payments added to and increase the principal amount of the Certificate.
The  6.75%  Certificates  and  7.25%  Member  Certificates  are to be  issued in
registered form only in denominations of $100 and multiples  thereof.  The 7.00%
Certificates  and 7.50% Member  Certificates are to be issued in registered form
only in  denominations  of $5,000  and  multiples  thereof.  The 7.75% and 8.00%
Certificates (not eligible for the Company's normal repurchase  practice) are to
be issued in  registered  form only in  denominations  of $2,000  and  multiples
thereof.

The Certificates are unsecured obligations of AFC, and the payment thereof is to
be  subordinated  to  other  debt  (except  debts  similarly   subordinated)  as
hereinafter  described.  There is no  provision  in the  indentures  that  would
prevent AFC or Agway from incurring  additional debt or which would restrict the
interest rate or other terms of such other debt.

LIMITATIONS ON OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER.  The 7.25% Member  Certificates and 7.50%
Member  Certificates  may be purchased  only by members of Agway.  The 6.75% and
7.00% Certificates may be sold to the general public and are generally purchased
by non-member patrons of Agway, Agway employees and former employees.  The 7.75%
and 8.00% Certificates (not subject to repurchase  practice) may be purchased by
both members of Agway and the general public.

Agway,  acting as  transfer  agent,  is able to prevent  issuing or  reissuing a
Member Money Market  Certificate to other than holders of the Membership  Common
and Honorary Member Preferred Stock.

REDEMPTION  PROVISIONS.  Upon not less than 30 days' written notice, AFC may, at
its  option,  redeem  all,  or by  lot,  from  time  to  time  any  part  of the
Certificates  at the principal  amount thereof,  together with accrued  interest
from the last  interest  payment  date to the date fixed for  redemption  at the
stated rate.  Should the  Certificates be redeemed by lot, all  Certificates not
redeemed will be accorded equal treatment in any subsequent redemption.

REPURCHASE  PRACTICE.  While  there is no  guarantee  of  repurchase,  it is the
present  practice of AFC to repurchase at face value,  plus interest  accrued at
the  stated  rate,  the  Certificates  of  any  holder  whenever  presented  for
repurchase.  It is the  intention  of AFC to follow such  practice in the future
with respect to all of the  Certificates  offered in this Prospectus  except the
7.75% and 8.00% Certificates, which AFC does not intend to repurchase.

INTEREST  REINVESTMENT  OPTION.  At the time of application  for purchase of the
Certificates,  or at any  time  thereafter,  the  holder  may  elect to have all
interest paid on the Certificate reinvested automatically. In the event that the
automatic  reinvestment  option is elected,  the interest due on each semiannual
interest  payment date will be added to the principal  amount of the Certificate
and will earn interest  thereafter  on the same basis as the original  principal
amount.  This election may be revoked only as to future interest payments at any
time by written notice to AFC,  effective on the date when the revocation notice
is duly received by AFC.  Interest  reinvested will be subject to federal income
tax as if it had been received by the certificate holder at the time reinvested.



                                                                               
                                       16

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION - (CONTINUED)

                   DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES (CONTINUED)

SUBORDINATION  PROVISIONS.  The  payment of the  principal  and  interest on the
Certificates is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the
indenture,  to the prior  payment in full of all "Senior  Debt."  Senior Debt is
defined as the  principal of, and interest on (a)  indebtedness  (other than the
indebtedness of AFC with respect to its debentures and Certificates issued under
indentures  dated as of October 1, 1974,  September 1, 1976,  September 1, 1978,
September  1, 1985,  September  1, 1986,  August 24,  1987,  August 23, 1988 and
August 23, 1989 and  supplemental  indenture  dated  August 24, 1992) of AFC for
money  borrowed  from  or  guaranteed  to  banks,  trust  companies,   insurance
companies,  and other financial  institutions,  including  dealers in commercial
paper,  charitable trusts,  pension trusts,  and other investing  organizations,
evidenced by notes or similar obligations,  or (b) indebtedness (other than with
respect to the indentures  noted in clause (a) above) of AFC evidenced by notes,
debentures  or  certificates  issued  under the  provisions  of an  indenture or
similar  instrument  between  AFC and a bank trust  company,  unless in any case
covered  by  clause  (a)  or (b)  the  instrument  creating  or  evidencing  the
indebtedness  provides that such  indebtedness is not superior or is subordinate
in right of payment to the certificates.  Senior Debt, as thus defined, includes
all  debt  presently   outstanding  except  indebtedness  with  respect  to  the
debentures  described in clause (a) above. As of August 26, 1998, Senior Debt of
$19,150,000 was outstanding.

In the event of any distribution of assets of AFC under any total liquidation or
reorganization  of AFC,  the  holders of all Senior  Debt shall be  entitled  to
receive payment in full before the holders of the  Certificates  are entitled to
receive any payment.  After  payment in full of the Senior Debt,  the holders of
the Certificates  will be entitled to participate in any distribution of assets,
both as such holders and by virtue of  subrogation  to the rights of the holders
of Senior Debt,  to the extent that the Senior Debt was benefited by the receipt
of  distributions  to which the  holders  of the  Certificates  would  have been
entitled if there had been no subordination. By reason of such subordination, in
the event of AFC's insolvency, holders of Senior Debt may receive more, ratably,
and holders of the certificates may receive less, ratably,  than other creditors
of AFC. The subordinated  debentures and Certificates  rank pari passu with each
other.

MODIFICATION  OF INDENTURES.  The indentures  permit  modification  or amendment
thereof,  but no  modification  of the  terms of  payment  or  reduction  of the
percentage  required for modification  will be effective against any certificate
holder without his consent.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND WITHHOLDING OF NOTICE THEREOF TO CERTIFICATE  HOLDERS. The
indentures  provide  for the  following  Events of  Default:  (i) failure to pay
interest  upon any of the  Certificates  when due,  continued for a period of 30
days; (ii) failure to pay principal of the Certificates or Senior Debt when due;
(iii)  failure  to  perform  any  other  covenant  of AFC as  set  forth  in the
indentures,  continued  for 90 days after  written  notice by the Trustee or the
holders  of  at  least  25%  in  principal  amount  of  the  Certificates   then
outstanding.

The Trustee,  within 90 days after the occurrence of the default, is to give the
certificate holders notice of all defaults known to Trustee,  unless cured prior
to the giving of such notice,  provided  that,  except in the case of default in
the payment of principal or interest on any of the Certificates, the Trustee may
withhold  such  notice if and so long as it in good  faith  determines  that the
withholding of such notice is in the interest of the certificate holders.

Upon the happening and during the  continuance of a default,  the Trustee or the
holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Certificates may declare the
principal  of all the  Certificates  and the  interest  accrued  thereon due and
payable,  but the  holders  of a  majority  of the  Certificates  may  waive all
defaults and rescind such  declaration  if the default is cured.  Subject to the
provisions  of the  indenture  relating to the duties of the Trustee in case any
such default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no
obligation  to  exercise  any of its rights or powers at the  request,  order or
direction of any of the  certificate  holders  unless they shall have offered to
the Trustee  reasonable  security or indemnity.  Subject to such  provisions for
security or  indemnity,  a majority of the holders of  outstanding  Certificates
will have the  right to direct  the time,  method  and place of  conducting  any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee.



                                                                               
                                       17

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION - (CONTINUED)

                   DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES (CONTINUED)

GUARANTEE BY AGWAY. If AFC or any of its successors  fails punctually to pay any
such  principal and interest,  Agway has guaranteed to cause any such payment to
be punctually made when and as such payment becomes due and payable,  whether at
maturity, upon acceleration or mandatory redemption or otherwise. This guarantee
is full and unconditional,  and joint and several.  To the extent that Agway has
guaranteed  payments  due under the  Certificates,  its failure to make  payment
under its guarantee  shall  constitute an Event of Default under the  indenture,
and Certificate holders may proceed against Agway to the same extent, and in the
same manner, as described above under "Events of Default and Withholding  Notice
Thereof to Certificate Holders."

THE TRUSTEE.  On November 24, 1997,  The Chase  Manhattan  Bank assumed  Trustee
responsibilities  from  Mellon  Bank,  F.S.B.  pursuant  to the  purchase of the
corporate  trust  business of Mellon Bank.  Prior to the purchase,  Mellon Bank,
F.S.B. assumed Trustee responsibilities from Key Bank of New York pursuant to an
Agreement of Resignation,  Appointment and Acceptance dated September 3, 1996 by
and among KeyCorp, Key Bank of New York, Agway Financial  Corporation and Mellon
Bank. Key Bank of New York was the Trustee under a supplemental  indenture dated
as of  October  1,  1986,  between  Key Bank,  Agway and AFC,  which  amends the
indentures between the Key Bank and Agway dated as of October 1, 1974, September
1, 1976,  September 1, 1978,  September  1, 1985,  and  September  1, 1986.  The
debentures and certificates issued under the October 1, 1974, September 1, 1976,
September 1, 1978,  September 1, 1985,  September 1, 1986,  August 24, 1987, and
August 23, 1988 indentures and the supplemental  indenture dated August 24, 1992
rank equally as debt  instruments  of AFC with the  certificates  covered by the
indenture dated August 23, 1989 being described herewith.

The indentures  contain  certain  limitations on the right of the Trustee,  as a
creditor of AFC, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases,  or to realize on
certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise.

AUTHENTICATION AND DELIVERY. The Certificates may be authenticated and delivered
upon the written order of AFC without any further corporate action.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURES.  The indentures may be discharged upon
payment or  redemption of all  Certificates  or upon deposit with the Trustee of
funds sufficient therefor.

EVIDENCE  AS TO  COMPLIANCE  WITH  CONDITIONS  AND  COVENANTS.  As  evidence  of
compliance with the covenants and conditions provided for in the indentures, AFC
is to furnish to the Trustee Officer's  Certificates each year stating that such
covenants and conditions have been complied with.

On October 1, 1986, AFC assumed Agway's obligations under the indentures between
the Trustee and Agway. A  supplemental  indenture was filed as an exhibit to the
Registration  Statement No. 33-8676,  dated September 11, 1986, and reference is
made  thereto  for a  complete  statement  of the terms and  provisions  of such
obligations.

GENERAL.  If the Certificate holder has elected to have all interest paid on the
Certificate  reinvested  automatically,  the  interest  due on  each  semiannual
interest  payment date will be added to the principal  amount of the certificate
and will earn interest  thereafter  on the same basis as the original  principal
amount.  This election may be revoked - as to future interest payments only - by
written notice to AFC,  effective on the date when the revocation notice is duly
received by AFC. Interest reinvested will be subject to federal income tax as if
it had been received by the certificate holder at the time reinvested.




                                                                               
                                       18

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION - (CONTINUED)

                 DESCRIPTION OF THE INTEREST REINVESTMENT OPTION

RATES ON  PREVIOUSLY  ISSUED  CERTIFICATES.  The  stated  rates of  interest  on
Certificates  previously  issued by AFC that remain  outstanding (and upon which
the interest  reinvestment  option might be exercised by any holder thereof) are
as follows:

Certificates having minimum face amounts of $100:


    Stated Rate                                 Stated Rate      
    of Interest       Due October 31,           of Interest     Due October 31,
    -----------       ---------------           -----------     ---------------
        4.5%               2001                    6.0%               2006
        5.0%               2001                    6.25%              2006
        6.5%               2001                    6.75%              2006
        7.0%               2001                    7.25%              2006
        7.0%               2002                    7.75%              2006
        7.5%               2002                    7.50%              2007
        6.75%              2003                    8.00%              2007
        7.25%              2003                    6.0%               2008
        8.0%               2004                    6.5%               2008
        8.5%               2004                    8.5%               2008
        7.5%               2005                    9.0%               2008
        8.0%               2005                    6.75%              2013
        8.5%               2005                    7.25%              2013
        5.5%               2006

Interest on these outstanding  Certificates is payable semiannually on January 1
and July 1, and at maturity,  at the rate per annum for each  semiannual  period
equal to the greater of (1) the  Certificates'  "stated rate";  and (2) one-half
percent (.5%) below the "Treasury Bill Rate" (as defined above).

Certificates having minimum face amounts of $5,000:

    Stated Rate                                 Stated Rate      
    of Interest       Due October 31,           of Interest     Due October 31,
    -----------       ---------------           -----------     ---------------
  
        6.5%               1998                    9.0%               2001
        7.0%               1998                    5.5%               2002
        8.5%               1998                    6.0%               2002
        9.0%               1998                    7.0%               2003
        7.5%               1999                    7.5%               3003
        8.0%               1999                    6.5%               2006
        9.0%               2000                    7.0%               2006
        9.5%               2000                    7.5%               2006
        4.75%              2001                    8.0%               2006
        5.25%              2001                    7.75%              2007
        6.75%              2001                    8.25%              2007
        7.25%              2001                    7.0%               2013
        8.5%               2001                    7.5%               2013

Interest on these outstanding  Certificates is payable semiannually on January 1
and July 1, and at maturity,  at the rate per annum for each  semiannual  period
equal  to the  greater  of (1)  the  Certificates'  "stated  rate";  and (2) the
"Treasury Bill Rate" (as defined above).



                                                                               
                                       19

<PAGE>



             DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED (CONTINUED)

AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION - (CONTINUED)

           DESCRIPTION OF THE INTEREST REINVESTMENT OPTION (CONTINUED)

Certificates having minimum face amounts of $2,000:

       Stated Rate of Interest     Due October 31,
       -----------------------     ---------------

                8.0%                    1998
                7.25%                   2000
                7.75%                   2000
                8.25%                   2001
                7.5%                    2002
                8.0%                    2002
                8.5%                    2003
                7.75%                   2004
                8.0%                    2006

Interest on these outstanding  Certificates is payable semiannually on January 1
and July 1, and at maturity,  at the rate per annum for each  semiannual  period
equal  to the  greater  of (1)  the  Certificates'  "stated  rate";  and (2) the
"Treasury Bill Rate" (as defined above).




                                                                               
                                       20

<PAGE>



                                  LEGAL OPINION

Legal matters in connection with the securities  offered hereby have been passed
upon for the Companies by David M. Hayes,  Esq., Senior Vice President,  General
Counsel and Secretary of Agway.  Mr. Hayes is a Director and the General Counsel
of AFC.

                                     EXPERTS

The  consolidated  balance  sheets  as  of  June  30,  1998  and  1997  and  the
consolidated statements of income, retained earnings, and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended June 30, 1998,  incorporated by reference in
this  Prospectus,  have been  incorporated  herein in  reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP, independent accountants,  given on the authority of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


                DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES OFFERED

Sale of the securities  offered hereby will be solicited through direct mailings
and/or personal  contact by certain  designated  employees of Agway. No salesmen
will be employed to solicit the sale of these  securities,  and no commission or
discount  will be paid or allowed to anyone in connection  with their sale.  The
individual  Agway employees who participate in the sale of these  securities may
be deemed to be underwriters of this offering within the meaning of that term as
defined in Section 2(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

While there is no  guarantee of  repurchase,  the  Companies  intend to continue
their  practice of  repurchasing,  when presented for  redemption,  any security
being offered in this  Prospectus,  other than the 7.75% and 8.00%  Certificates
described herein.


              ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET, REDEMPTION AND MARKET RISK

There is no market for the debentures and Certificates and there is no intent on
the part of the  Companies to create or encourage a trading  mechanism for these
debentures and Certificates. The Companies do not intend to apply for listing of
the debentures and Certificates on any securities exchange. Any secondary market
for, and the market value of, the debentures and  Certificates  will be affected
by a number of factors  independent  of the  creditworthiness  of Agway and AFC,
including the level and  direction of interest  rates,  the remaining  period to
maturity of the  debentures  and  Certificates,  the right of the  Companies  to
redeem the debentures and  Certificates,  the aggregate  principal amount of the
debentures and Certificates and the availability of comparable  investments.  In
addition, the market value of the debentures and Certificates may be affected by
numerous  other  interrelated  factors,  including  factors that affect the U.S.
corporate debt market generally,  and Agway and AFC specifically.  See the "Risk
Factors" section of this Prospectus set forth on page 4.


                                                                               
                                       21

<PAGE>



             AGWAY INC.

               AGWAY
             FINANCIAL
            CORPORATION










              (logo)





             PROSPECTUS

Until  _____,   1998,  all  dealers
effecting   transactions   in   the
registered  securities,  whether or
not     participating    in    this
distribution,  may be  required  to
deliver  a  Prospectus.  This is in
addition  to  the   obligations  of
dealers  to  deliver  a  Prospectus
when  acting  as  underwriters  and
with   respect   to  their   unsold
allotments or subscriptions.

                                                                               
                 22

<PAGE>



                                                      PART II
                                      INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.      OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION*:

              Registration Fee ........................   $ 72,629
              Printing and Engraving ..................     25,000
              Registration Service and Trustee Expense      32,000
              Accounting Fees and Expenses ............      4,000
              "Blue Sky" Fees and Expenses ............     30,000
              Mailing Costs ...........................      7,000
              Miscellaneous Expenses ..................      6,071
                                                          --------
                                                          $176,700
                                                          ========
              *Approximate


ITEM 15.      INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.

              Article 12 of Agway's  By-laws and  Section 6.4 of AFC's  By-laws,
              filed by  reference to Item 15 of  Registration  Statement on Form
              S-3, File No. 333-34781 dated September 2, 1997.

              Section  145 of the  Delaware  General  Corporation  Law permits a
              corporation  to  indemnify  its  officers  and  directors  against
              liabilities as provided for in the By-Laws of Agway and AFC. Under
              the terms of a Directors and Officers  Liability  and  Corporation
              Reimbursement  Policy  purchased  by Agway  and  AFC,  each of the
              directors  and  officers of Agway and AFC is insured  against loss
              arising  from any claim or claims  which  may be made  during  the
              policy  period by reason of any  wrongful  act (as  defined in the
              policy) in their capacities as directors or officers. In addition,
              Agway and AFC are insured  against  loss arising from any claim or
              claims  which may be made  during the policy  period  against  any
              director or officer of Agway and AFC by reason of any wrongful act
              (as defined in the policy) in their  capacities  as  directors  or
              officers,  but only when the directors or officers shall have been
              entitled to indemnification by Agway and AFC.



                                                                               
                                       23

<PAGE>



ITEM 16.      EXHIBITS:

              (A)  EXHIBITS:

                   4(a)-     The  Indenture dated as of October 1, 1974  between
                             Agway Inc.  and First Trust and Deposit  Company of
                             Syracuse,  New York,  Trustee,  including  forms of
                             Subordinated  Debentures (Minimum 8% per annum) due
                             July 1, 1999, and Subordinated  Debentures (Minimum
                             8.5%  per  annum)  due  July  1,  1999,   filed  by
                             reference   to   Exhibit  4  of  the   Registration
                             Statement   (Form  S-7),  File  No.  2-52179  dated
                             November 21, 1974.

                   4(b)-     The  Indenture   dated  as of  September  1,  1976
                             between  Agway  Inc.  and First  Trust and  Deposit
                             Company of Syracuse,  New York, Trustee,  including
                             forms of  Subordinated  Debentures  (Minimum 7% per
                             annum)   due  July  1,   2001,   and   Subordinated
                             Debentures  (Minimum  7.5% per  annum)  due July 1,
                             2001,  filed  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4 of  the
                             Registration   Statement   (Form  S-1),   File  No.
                             2-57227, dated September 21, 1976.

                   4(c)-     The   Indenture  dated  as of  September  1,  1978
                             between  Agway  Inc.  and First  Trust and  Deposit
                             Company of Syracuse,  New York, Trustee,  including
                             forms of Subordinated  Debentures (Minimum 7.5% per
                             annum)   due  July  1,   2003,   and   Subordinated
                             Debentures (Minimum 8% per annum) due July 1, 2003,
                             filed by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Registration
                             Statement   (Form  S-1),  File  No.  2-62549  dated
                             September 8, 1978.

                   4(d)-     The   Indenture  dated  as  of  September  1,  1985
                             between  Agway and Key Bank of Central  New York of
                             Syracuse,  New York,  Trustee,  including  forms of
                             Subordinated  Money  Market  Certificates  (Minimum
                             7.5%  per  annum)  due   October  31,   2005,   and
                             Subordinated   Member  Money  Market   Certificates
                             (Minimum 8% per annum) due October 31, 2005,  filed
                             by  reference  to  Exhibit  4 of  the  Registration
                             Statement  (Form  S-2),  File  No.  2-99905,  dated
                             August 27, 1985.

                   4(e)-     The  Indenture  dated  as  of  September  1,  1986
                             between  AFC and Key  Bank of  Central  New York of
                             Syracuse,  New York,  Trustee,  including  forms of
                             Subordinated   Member  Money  Market   Certificates
                             (Minimum 6% per annum) due October  31,  2006,  and
                             Subordinated  Money  Market  Certificates  (Minimum
                             5.5% per  annum) due  October  31,  2006,  filed by
                             reference   to   Exhibit  4  of  the   Registration
                             Statement  (Form  S-3),  File  No.  33-8676,  dated
                             September 11, 1986.

                   4(f)-     The  Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1,
                             1986 among AFC,  Agway Inc. and Key Bank of Central
                             New York of Syracuse, New York, Trustee,  including
                             forms  of  subordinated  debt  securities  filed by
                             reference   to   Exhibit  4  of  the   Registration
                             Statement  (Form  S-3),  File  No.  33-8676,  dated
                             September 11, 1986.

                   4(g) -    The Indenture dated as of August 24, 1987 between 
                             AFC and Key Bank of Central  New York of  Syracuse,
                             New York, Trustee,  including forms of Subordinated
                             Member  Money Market  Certificates  (Minimum 7% per
                             annum)  due  October  31,  1998,  and  Subordinated
                             Member Money Market Certificates  (Minimum 6.5% per
                             annum) due October 31, 2008, and Subordinated Money
                             Market  Certificates  (Minimum  6.5% per annum) due
                             October 31,  1998,  and  Subordinated  Money Market
                             Certificates (Minimum 6% per annum) due October 31,
                             2008,  filed  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4 of  the
                             Registration   Statement   (Form  S-3),   File  No.
                             33-16734, dated August 31, 1987.
                                                                               
                                       24

<PAGE>



ITEM 16(A)  EXHIBITS- (CONTINUED)


                   4(h) -    The Indenture dated as of August 23, 1988   between
                             AFC and Key Bank of Central  New York of  Syracuse,
                             New York, Trustee,  including forms of Subordinated
                             Member Money Market Certificates  (Minimum 9.5% per
                             annum)  due  October  31,  2000,  and  Subordinated
                             Member  Money Market  Certificates  (Minimum 9% per
                             annum) due October 31, 2008, and Subordinated Money
                             Market  Certificates  (Minimum  9% per  annum)  due
                             October 31,  2000,  and  Subordinated  Money Market
                             Certificates  (Minimum  8.5% per annum) due October
                             31,  2008,  filed by  reference to Exhibit 4 of the
                             Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3),  File No. 33-
                             24093, dated August 31, 1988.

                   4(i)-     The   Supplemental  Indenture  dated  as of October
                             14,  1988  among AFC,  Agway  Inc.  and Key Bank of
                             Central New York,  National  Association,  Trustee,
                             amending the Indentures dated as of August 23, 1988
                             and August 24, 1988 filed on October 18, 1988.

                   4(j)-     The Indenture  dated  as of August 23, 1989,  among
                             AFC, Agway Inc. and Key Bank of Central New York of
                             Syracuse,  New York,  Trustee,  including  forms of
                             Subordinated   Money   Market    Certificates   and
                             Subordinated  Member  Money  Market   Certificates,
                             filed by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Registration
                             Statement  (Form  S-3),  File No.  33-30808,  dated
                             August 30, 1989.

                   4(k)-     Agway  Board of  Directors resolutions  authorizing
                             the issuance of Honorary  Member  Preferred  Stock,
                             Series   HM  and   Membership   Common   Stock  and
                             authorizing AFC to issue Money Market  Certificates
                             under Indentures dated as of August 23, 1989, filed
                             herewith.

                   4(l)-     AFC Board  of  Directors  resolutions   authorizing
                             the  issuance of Money  Market  Certificates  under
                             indentures  dated  as of  August  23,  1989,  filed
                             herewith.

                   4(m)-     The  Supplemental  Indenture dated as of August 24,
                             1992  among  AFC,  Agway  Inc.  and Key Bank of New
                             York,  Trustee,  amending the Indenture dated as of
                             August 23, 1989 filed by  reference to Exhibit 4 of
                             the  Registration  Statement  (Form S-3),  File No.
                             33-52418, dated September 25, 1992.

                   4(n)-     Agreement   of    Resignation,   Appointment   and
                             Acceptance among KeyCorp, Key Bank of New York, AFC
                             and Mellon Bank,  F.S.B.,  dated as of September 3,
                             1996,  five  agreements,   filed  by  reference  to
                             Exhibit 4(o) of Form S-3, File No. 333-34781, dated
                             September 2, 1997.

                   4(o)-     Agway Inc. By-laws as amended April 28, 1998, filed
                             by reference to Exhibit 3 of Annual  Report on Form
                             10-K, dated August 27, 1998.

                     5 -     Opinions of David M. Hayes, Esq., dated August 26,
                             1998, filed herewith.

                    12 -     Statements regarding computation of ratios, filed 
                             herewith.

                    23 -     Consents of experts and counsel, filed herewith.

                    25 -     Statement  of  Eligibility  and  Qualification  of
                             Trustee on Form T-1, filed herewith.

                    Exhibit  numbers  1, 2, 8, 15,  24, 26 through 28 and 99 are
                    inapplicable and exhibit numbers 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14,
                    and 16 through 22 are not required.


                                                                               
                                       25

<PAGE>



ITEM 17.      UNDERTAKINGS

                   The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

              A.   1. To file,  during any  period in which  offers or sales are
                   being made, a post-effective  amendment to this  registration
                   statement:

                        a.   To include any Prospectus required by Section 10(a)
                        (3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

                        b. To  reflect  in the  Prospectus  any  facts or events
                        arising  after the  effective  date of the  registration
                        statement (or the most recent  post-effective  amendment
                        thereof)  which,   individually  or  in  the  aggregate,
                        represent a fundamental  change in the  information  set
                        forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the
                        foregoing,   any  increase  or  decrease  in  volume  of
                        securities   offered  (if  the  total  dollar  value  of
                        securities  offered  would  not  exceed  that  which was
                        registered)  and any deviation  from the low or high end
                        of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected
                        in the  form of  prospects  filed  with  the  Commission
                        pursuant  to  Rule  424(b)  if,  in the  aggregate,  the
                        changes in the volume and price represent no more than a
                        20% change in the maximum  aggregate  offering price set
                        forth in the "Calculation of Registration  Fee" table in
                        the effective registration statement;

                        c. To include any material  information  with respect to
                        the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
                        registration  statement or any  material  change to such
                        information  in the  registration  statement,  including
                        (but not  limited  to) any  addition  or  deletion  of a
                        managing underwriter;

                   2. That, for the purpose of determining  any liability  under
                   the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   each  such   post-effective
                   amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration  statement
                   relating to the securities offered therein,  and the offering
                   of such  securities  at that  time  shall be deemed to be the
                   initial bona fide offering thereof;

              B.   That,  for  purposes  of  determining   liability  under  the
                   Securities  Act of  1933,  each  filing  of the  registrant's
                   annual  report  pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of
                   the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 that is  incorporated by
                   reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be
                   a new  registration  statement  relating  to  the  securities
                   offered therein,  and the offering of such securities at that
                   time  shall be deemed to be the  initial  bona fide  offering
                   thereof.

              C.   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
                   Securities  Act  of  1933  may  be  permitted  to  directors,
                   officers and controlling persons of the registrants  pursuant
                   to the foregoing  provisions,  or otherwise,  the registrants
                   have been advised that in the opinion of the  Securities  and
                   Exchange  Commission such  indemnification  is against public
                   policy   as   expressed   in  the  Act  and  is,   therefore,
                   unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
                   against such liabilities (other than the payment by either of
                   the  registrants of expenses  incurred or paid by a director,
                   officer  or  controlling  person  of such  registrant  in the
                   successful  defense of any  action,  suit or  proceeding)  is
                   asserted by such director,  officer or controlling  person in
                   connection  with  the  securities   being   registered,   the
                   registrant  will,  unless in the  opinion of its  counsel the
                   matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
                   court of appropriate  jurisdiction the questions whether such
                   indemnification  by it is against  public policy as expressed
                   in the Act and will be governed by the final  adjudication of
                   such issue.

              D.   To  remove  from  registration  by means of a  post-effective
                   amendment  any of the  securities  which remain unsold at the
                   termination of the offering.

                                                                               
                                       26

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies  that it has  reasonable  grounds to believe  that it meets all of the
requirements  for  filing  on Form S-3 and has  duly  caused  this  registration
statement  or amendment  thereto to be signed on its behalf by the  undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized,  in the Town of DeWitt,  State of New York, on August
27, 1998.

                                         AGWAY INC.
                                        (Registrant)

                                          By    /s/ Donald P. Cardarelli
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    DONALD P. CARDARELLI
                                           PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                               (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

      Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
registration  statement  or amendment  thereto has been signed by the  following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                       SIGNATURE                       TITLE                                        DATE
                       ---------                       -----                                        ----



<S>                                                    <C>                                          <C> 
           /s/ Donald P. Cardarelli                    President and Chief Executive Officer        August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
            (DONALD P. CARDARELLI)                         (Principal Executive Officer)



             /s/ Peter J. O'Neill                      Senior Vice President,                       August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (PETER J. O'NEILL)                           Finance & Control,
                                                           Treasurer and Controller
                                                           (Principal Financial Officer
                                                           & Principal Accounting Officer)


             /s/ Ralph H. Heffner                      Chairman of the                              August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (RALPH H. HEFFNER)                           Board and Director



             /s/ Gary K. Van Slyke                     Vice Chairman of the                         August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (GARY K. VAN SLYKE)                      Board and Director



             /s/ Kevin B. Barrett                      Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (KEVIN B. BARRETT)



             /s/ Keith H. Carlisle                     Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (KEITH H. CARLISLE)

</TABLE>


                                                                               
                                       27

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                   SIGNATURE                           TITLE                                        DATE
                   ---------                           -----                                        ----



<S>                                                    <C>                                          <C> 
             /s/ D. Gilbert Couser                     Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (D. GILBERT COUSER)



             /s/ Andrew J. Gilbert                     Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (ANDREW J. GILBERT)



              /s/ Peter D. Hanks                       Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               (PETER D. HANKS)



            /s/ Robert L. Marshman                     Director                                     August 27, 1998
- --------------------------------------------
             (ROBERT L. MARSHMAN)



             /s/ Jeffrey B. Martin                     Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (JEFFREY B. MARTIN)



              /s/ Samuel F. Minor                      Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               (SAMUEL F. MINOR)



               /s/ Carl D. Smith                       Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
                (CARL D. SMITH)



              /s/ Thomas E. Smith                      Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               (THOMAS E. SMITH)



              /s/ Joel L. Wenger                       Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               (JOEL L. WENGER)



            /s/ Edwin C. Whitehead                     Director                                     August 27, 1998
- -------------------------------------------
             (EDWIN C. WHITEHEAD)



             /s/ William W. Young                      Director                                     August 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              (WILLIAM W. YOUNG)
</TABLE>

                                                                               
                                       28

<PAGE>


                                                    SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies  that it has  reasonable  grounds to believe  that it meets all of the
requirements  for  filing  on Form S-3 and has  duly  caused  this  registration
statement  or amendment  thereto to be signed on its behalf by the  undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized,  in the Town of DeWitt,  State of New York, on August
27, 1998.


                           AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                           (Registrant)


                           By       /s/ Donald P. Cardarelli
                             ----------------------------------------------
                                        DONALD P. CARDARELLI
                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT, AND DIRECTOR
                                  (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER)

      Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
registration  statement  or amendment  thereto has been signed by the  following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                     SIGNATURE                               TITLE                                  DATE




<S>                                                    <C>                                          <C> 
            /s/ Donald P. Cardarelli                   Chairman of the Board,                       August 27, 1998
- --------------------------------------------
             (DONALD P. CARDARELLI)                       President and Director
                                                          (Principal Executive Officer)



              /s/ Peter J. O'Neill                     Vice President, Treasurer and Director       August 27, 1998
- --------------------------------------------
               (PETER J. O'NEILL)                         (Principal Financial Officer and
                                                          Principal Accounting Officer)



               /s/ David M. Hayes                      Director                                     August 27, 1998
- --------------------------------------------
                (DAVID M. HAYES)


</TABLE>









                                                                               
                                                        29

<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT NUMBER
- --------------


 4.      Instruments defining the rights of security holders

         4(k)     Agway Board of Directors resolutions  authorizing the issuance
                  of Honorary Member Preferred  Stock,  Series HM and Membership
                  Common  Stock  and  authorizing  AFC  to  issue  Money  Market
                  Certificates under Indentures dated as of August 23, 1989.

         4(l)     AFC Board of Directors resolutions authorizing the issuance of
                  Money Market  Certificates under indentures dated as of August
                  23, 1989.

 5.      Opinions of David M. Hayes, Esq., dated August 26, 1998

12.      Statements regarding computation of ratios

23.      Consents of experts and counsel

25.      Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee on Form T-1









                                   EXHIBIT 4
<PAGE>
                                                        

                                  RESOLUTIONS
                                  -----------

     The  following  resolutions  were  approved  and  adopted  by the  Board of
Directors of AGWAY, INC.:

     RESOLVED,  That  the  Company  offer  for  sale to its  members,  potential
members,  other  interested  parties,  and to the  Trustee  of the  Agway,  Inc.
Employees  Thrift  Investment  Plan,  the  following  securities  at the  prices
indicated:

TITLE                                                         AMOUNT      PRICE
- -----                                                         ------      -----

Preferred Stock, Series B $100 par value                       10,000     $  100
                                                               shares

Honorary Member Preferred Stock                                 4,000     $   25
$25 par value                                                  shares

Common Stock $25 par value                                      4,000     $   25
                                                               shares

pursuant to the By-Laws of the Company through  designated  employees,  provided
that no  commission  or  other  remuneration  shall be paid to any  person  with
respect to the sale of such securities; and be it

     FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Company approves Agway Financial Corporation,  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  offering for sale to Agway members,  other interested
parties, and to the Trustee of the Agway, Inc. Employees Thrift Investment Plan,
the following securities at the prices indicated:

Subordinated Money Market Certificates              $70,000,000             100%
due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 7.50% per
annum; Member; denomination of $5,000)

Subordinated Money Market Certificates             $126,000,000             100%
due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 7.00% per
annum; General; denomination of $5,000)

Subordinated Money Market Certificates              $10,000,000             100%
due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 7.25% per
annum; Member; denomination of $100)

Subordinated Money Market Certificates              $10,000,000             100%
due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 6.75% per
annum; General; denomination of $100)



<PAGE>


                                       -2-

Subordinated Money Market Certificates              $65,000,000             100%
due October 31, 2006 (Minimum 8.00% per
annum; General; denomination of $2,000)

Subordinated Money Market Certificates              $43,000,000             100%
due October 31, 2004 (Minimum 7.75% per
annum; General; denomination of $2,000)

; and be it

     FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Company approves Agway Financial Corporation,  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  offering for sale to Agway members,  other interested
parties, and to the Trustee of the Agway, Inc. Employees Thrift Investment Plan,
the following securities registered under the reinvestment option:

Subordinated Money Market Certificates              $47,000,000             100%
(due from October 31, 1998 through
October 31, 2013; minimum 4.5% to 9.5%
per annum)

; and be it

     FURTHER  RESOLVED,  That the Agway  Financial  Corporation  (AFC)  Board of
Directors  is  hereby   authorized  to  revise  the  minimum  interest  rate  on
certificates of any class or series to be issued.  In the event that the minimum
interest  rate  is so  revised,  an  officer's  certificate  with a copy  of the
resolution of the AFC Board certified by the President or any Vice President and
by  the  Treasurer,  the  Secretary  or any  Assistant  Treasurer  or  Assistant
Secretary  shall be  delivered  to the  Trustee  under  the  Indenture  for such
certificate.  A  prospectus  supplement  may be filed  with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission and a copy of the resolution may be filed; and be it

     FURTHER  RESOLVED,  That the  appropriate  officers  and  employees  of the
Company with the assistance of its accountants and attorneys be, and they hereby
are,  authorized  and directed to prepare,  execute and file with the Securities
and  Exchange  Commission  on  behalf  of the  Company  Registration  Statements
including any and all documents and exhibits  related  thereto for  registration
under the Securities Act of 1933 of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock as well
as any and all  amendments to said  Registration  Statements in such form as the
officers  executing same on advice of counsel may deem necessary and appropriate
so as to secure and maintain the effectiveness of said Registration  Statements;
and be it



<PAGE>


                                       -3-

     FURTHER RESOLVED, That David M. Hayes, Esq., Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of the Company, Nels G. Magnuson,  Esq., Associate General
Counsel and  Assistant  Secretary  of the  Company  and Theresa A. Szuba,  Esq.,
Assistant General Counsel and Assistant  Secretary of the Company,  be, and they
hereby are, each of them appointed and designated as persons duly  authorized to
receive  communications and notices from the Securities and Exchange  Commission
with respect to the aforesaid Registration Statements; and be it

     FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Stock and Preferred Stock when issued and
sold for cash as provided here and above shall be fully paid and  nonassessable;
and be it

     FURTHER RESOLVED,  That the President or any Vice President,  the Secretary
or any  Assistant  Secretary,  and the Treasurer of this Company be, and each of
them  hereby  is,  authorized  to  take,  on  behalf  of and in the name of this
Company,  any and all actions,  which, in the judgment of the officer taking the
action,  is necessary,  useful or appropriate in order to render Common Stock or
Preferred  Stock of this Company,  to be issued and sold pursuant to resolutions
adopted by this Board at this  meeting,  to be eligible  for  offering  and sale
within or from any state of the United  States under the  securities  regulation
laws of such state, and to qualify the Company as a securities  dealer under any
such laws,  including,  but without  limiting the  generality of the  foregoing,
making or filing applications for any and all licenses, permits, orders or other
approvals or clearances under such laws, and in that  connection,  executing and
filing any and all documents,  including but without  limiting the generality of
the  foregoing,  consents  to service of process  and  appointment  of agents to
accept  service of process on behalf of this  Company with respect to any matter
as to which such consent or appointment  may be required by such securities laws
and making such  agreements,  covenants  and  undertakings  as may be necessary,
useful  or  appropriate,  and  all  such  consents,  appointments,   agreements,
covenants  and  undertakings  heretofore  or  hereinafter  given or entered into
pursuant to the authority of this resolution  shall be binding upon this Company
with the same effect as though set forth in full herein and expressly authorized
hereby.

     I, Donna B. Flett,  Assistant Secretary of AGWAY, INC., hereby certify that

the  foregoing  is a true and  complete  copy of the  resolutions  approved  and

adopted by the Board of Directors of this  Corporation  at a meeting held on the

17th day


<PAGE>


                                       -4-
of August,  1998,  at which a quorum was present and more than a majority of the

Directors  voted in the  affirmative.  The foregoing  resolutions  have not been

amended, modified, rescinded revoked or terminated.

     WITNESS my signature and seal of this  Corporation this 21st day of August,

1998.




                                                             /s/ Donna B. Flett

                                                             Donna B. Flett
                                                             Assistant Secretary


<PAGE>
                                                        

                                   RESOLUTIONS
                                   -----------



                   The  following  resolutions  were approved and adopted by the

Board of Directors of AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION:

                   RESOLVED,  That Agway Financial Corporation offer for sale to
Agway, Inc. members,  other interested parties, and to the Trustee of the Agway,
Inc.  Employees Thrift  Investment Plan, the following  securities at the prices
indicated:

         Subordinated Money Market Certificates                     $ 70,000,000
         100% due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 7.50% per
         annum; Member; denomination of $5,000)

         Subordinated Money Market Certificates                     $126,000,000
         100% due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 7.00% per
         annum; General; denomination of $5,000)

         Subordinated Money Market Certificates                     $ 10,000,000
         100% due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 7.25% per
         annum; Member; denomination of $100)

         Subordinated Money Market Certificates                     $ 10,000,000
         100% due October 31, 2013 (Minimum 6.75% per
         annum; General; denomination of $100)

         Subordinated Money Market Certificates                     $ 65,000,000
         100% due October 31, 2006 (Minimum 8.00% per
         annum; General; denomination of $2,000)

         Subordinated Money Market Certificates                     $ 43,000,000
         100% due October 31, 2004 (Minimum 7.75% per
         annum; General; denomination of $2,000)

         ; and be it

                   FURTHER RESOLVED,  That Agway Financial Corporation offer for
sale to Agway  members,  other  interested  parties,  and to the  Trustee of the
Agway,  Inc.   Employees  Thrift  Investment  Plan,  the  following   securities
registered under the reinvestment option:

         Subordinated Money Market Certificates                     $ 47,000,000
         100% (due from October 31, 1998 through
         October 31, 2013; minimum 4.5% to 9.5%
         per annum)

         ; and be it


<PAGE>


                                       -2-

                  FURTHER RESOLVED,  That the Agway Financial  Corporation (AFC)
Board of Directors is hereby  authorized to revise the minimum  interest rate on
certificates of any class or series to be issued.  In the event that the minimum
interest  rate  is so  revised,  an  officer's  certificate  with a copy  of the
resolution of the AFC Board certified by the President or any Vice President and
by  the  Treasurer,  the  Secretary  or any  Assistant  Treasurer  or  Assistant
Secretary  shall be  delivered  to the  Trustee  under  the  Indenture  for such
certificate.  A  prospectus  supplement  may be filed  with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission and a copy of the resolution may be filed; and be it

                  FURTHER RESOLVED,  That the appropriate officers and employees
of the Company with the assistance of its accountants and attorneys be, and they
hereby  are,  authorized  and  directed  to  prepare,  execute and file with the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  behalf  of the  Company  Registration
Statements  including  any and all documents  and exhibits  related  thereto for
registration  under the Securities Act of 1933 of the debt securities as well as
any and all  amendments  to said  Registration  Statements  in such  form as the
officers  executing same on advice of counsel may deem necessary and appropriate
so as to secure and maintain the effectiveness of said Registration  Statements;
and be it

                  FURTHER  RESOLVED,   That  David  M.  Hayes,  Esq.,  Nels  G.
Magnuson,  Esq.,  and Theresa A. Szuba,  Esq.,  be, and they hereby are, each of
them   appointed  and   designated   as  persons  duly   authorized  to  receive
communications  and notices from the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  with
respect to the aforesaid Registration Statements; and be it

                  FURTHER   RESOLVED,   That  the   Subordinated   Money  Market
Certificates,  the sale of which has been  authorized  here and above,  shall be
issued and sold pursuant to and subject to the Trust  Indentures dated September
1, 1985 and  September 1, 1986,  Supplemental  Indenture  dated October 1, 1986,
Indentures  dated  August 24, 1987 and August 23, 1988,  Supplemental  Indenture
dated  October 14,  1988,  Indenture  dated August 23,  1989,  and  Supplemental
Indenture dated August 24, 1992, with Key Bank of New York,  N.A.,  Albany,  New
York as Trustee and its  successors  thereto (the  current  Trustee is The Chase
Manhattan  Bank),  and that said  certificates  when  issued  for cash or issued
pursuant to the interest  reinvestment program as provided here and above, shall
be binding obligations of the Company; and be it

                  FURTHER  RESOLVED,  That the President or any Vice  President,
the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary,  and the Treasurer of this Company be,
and each of them hereby is,  authorized to take, on behalf of and in the name of
this Company, any and all actions, which, in the judgment of the officer taking


<PAGE>


                                       -3-

the  action,  is  necessary,  useful  or  appropriate  in order to  render  debt
securities  of this  Company,  to be issued  and sold  pursuant  to  resolutions
adopted by this Board,  to be eligible  for offering and sale within or from any
state of the United States under the securities  regulation  laws of such state,
and to  qualify  the  Company  as a  securities  dealer  under  any  such  laws,
including,  but without  limiting the  generality  of the  foregoing,  making or
filing applications for any and all licenses, permits, orders or other approvals
or clearances under such laws, and in that connection,  executing and filing any
and  all  documents,  including  but  without  limiting  the  generality  of the
foregoing,  consents to service of process and  appointment  of agents to accept
service of process on behalf of this  Company  with  respect to any matter as to
which such consent or appointment  may be required by such  securities  laws and
making such agreements,  covenants and undertakings as may be necessary,  useful
or appropriate, and all such consents,  appointments,  agreements, covenants and
undertakings  heretofore  or  hereinafter  given or entered into pursuant to the
authority  of this  resolution  shall be binding upon this Company with the same
effect as though set forth in full herein and expressly authorized hereby.


                  I, Donna B. Flett,  Secretary of AGWAY FINANCIAL  CORPORATION,

hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of the resolutions

duly approved and duly adopted by unanimous  written consent of the Directors of

this Corporation as of the 17th day of August,  1998. The foregoing  resolutions

have not been amended, modified, rescinded, revoked or terminated.

                  WITNESS my signature  and seal of this  Corporation  this 25th

day of August, 1998.


                                                              /s/ Donna B. Flett
                                                              Secretary














                                   EXHIBIT 5
<PAGE>

                                     (logo)
             AGWAY INC., PO BOX 4933, SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13221-4933




                                               August 26, 1998


Agway Inc.
333 Butternut Drive
DeWitt, NY   13214

Gentlemen:

         As General  Counsel of Agway Inc., I am acting as your legal counsel in
connection  with the  registration  of  10,000  shares  ($100  par  value) of 8%
Cumulative  Preferred Stock, Series B, 4,000 shares ($25 par value) of Series HM
Preferred  Stock and 4,000  shares ($25 par value) of  Membership  Common  Stock
(hereinafter referred to as the "Equity Securities"),  being registered with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission on Form S-3. I am familiar with the relevant
documents and materials used in preparing such registration.

         Based upon my review of the relevant documents and materials,  it is my
opinion that:

         (a)          Agway Inc. is a valid and subsisting Delaware corporation;

         (b)          The Equity Securities being registered with the Securities
                      and Exchange  Commission  on Form S-3 will,  when sold, be
                      legally issued,  fully paid and non-assessable  (except as
                      may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,  reorganization,
                      or other  laws of  general  applicability  relating  to or
                      affecting   creditors'   rights  or  by   general   equity
                      principles)  so  long as (i)  the  Registration  Statement
                      remains  effective  under the  Securities  Act of 1933, as
                      amended,  and (ii) the Equity  Securities  shall have been
                      duly  executed  and shall have been duly  delivered to the
                      purchasers   thereof   against   payment   of  the  agreed
                      consideration therefor.

         (c)          The matters of law and legal  conclusions  set forth under
                      "Description of 8% Cumulative  Preferred Stock, Series B",
                      "Description of Honorary Member  Preferred  Stock,  Series
                      HM", and  "Description of Membership  Common Stock" in the
                      Prospectus  filed  as a  part  of  said  registration  are
                      correct.

         This  letter is  written  to be used as an exhibit in the filing of the
Registration  Statement,  and I hereby consent to the reference to my name under
the caption "LEGAL OPINION" in the Prospectus.

                                                         Very truly yours,

                                                         /s/ David M. Hayes

                                                         David M. Hayes
                                                         Senior Vice President
                                                         General Counsel
                                                         AGWAY INC.
DMH/cms

                  333 BUTTERNUT DRIVE, DEWITT, NEW YORK 13214

<PAGE>
                                     (logo)
         AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION, PO BOX 8985, WILMINGTON, DE 19899
                                                           302-654-8371

                                                     August 26, 1998


Agway Financial Corporation
Suite 1300
1105 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware  19801

Gentlemen:

         As General Counsel of Agway Financial  Corporation ("AFC"), I am acting
as your legal counsel in connection  with the  registration  of  $200,000,000 in
principal   amount  of  Subordinated   Member  Money  Market   Certificates  and
Subordinated  Money Market  Certificates  and $45,000,000 in principal amount of
Money Market Certificates,  member and general,  under the interest reinvestment
option (hereinafter referred to as the "Debt Securities"), being registered with
the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on Form S-3. I am familiar  with the
relevant documents and materials used in preparing such registration.

         Based upon my review of the relevant documents and materials,  it is my
opinion that:

         (a)          AFC is a valid and subsisting Delaware corporation;

         (b)          The Debt Securities being  registered  with the Securities
                      and Exchange  Commission  on Form S-3 will,  when sold, be
                      legally issued and binding  obligations of Agway Financial
                      Corporation  (except  as may  be  limited  by  bankruptcy,
                      insolvency,  reorganization,  or  other  laws  of  general
                      applicability  relating to or affecting  creditors' rights
                      or by  general  equity  principles)  so  long  as (i)  the
                      Registration   Statement   remains   effective  under  the
                      Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended,  and the  Indentures
                      continue to qualify under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
                      as amended,  and (ii) the Debt Securities  shall have been
                      duly  executed  and   authenticated  as  provided  in  the
                      Indentures,  and shall  have been  duly  delivered  to the
                      purchasers   thereof   against   payment   of  the  agreed
                      consideration therefor.

         (c)          The matters of law and legal  conclusions  set forth under
                      "Description of the  Certificates" in the Prospectus filed
                      as a part of said registration are correct.

         This  letter is  written  to be used as an exhibit in the filing of the
Registration  Statement,  and I hereby consent to the reference to my name under
the caption "LEGAL OPINION" in the Prospectus.

                                                    Very truly yours,


                                                    /s/ David M. Hayes

                                                    David M. Hayes
                                                    General Counsel
                                                    AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

DMH/cms

              1105 N. MARKET ST., SUITE 1300, WILMINGTON, DE 19801









                                   EXHIBIT 12



<PAGE>


    COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF MARGINS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS
                                    COMBINED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         AGWAY INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                                                               FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                  (THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1998         1997          1996         1995         1994
                                            -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   ----------


<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>       
Margins before income taxes and
member refunds............................. $   25,203    $  16,583    $   21,070    $  (6,053)   $    4,833

Fixed charges - Interest...................     67,728       64,432        63,721       56,507        49,849
              - Rentals....................      4,651        3,772         3,004        2,789         2,298
                                            -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
Total fixed charges........................     72,379       68,204        66,725       59,296        52,147
                                            -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
Adjusted net margins....................... $   97,582    $  84,787    $   87,795    $  53,243    $   56,980
                                            ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========   ==========

Ratio of adjusted net margins to total
fixed charges..............................        1.3          1.2           1.3       (a)              1.1
                                            ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========   ==========

Deficiency of adjusted net margins to
total fixed charges........................     N/D          N/D          N/D        $   6,053         N/D
                                            ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========   ==========

Fixed charges and preferred dividends
 combined:
 Preferred dividend factor:
   Preferred dividend requirements......... $    3,522    $   4,115    $    4,255    $   4,654    $    4,909
   Ratio of pre-tax margins to
   after-tax margins*......................       50.8%        64.3%         52.9%        71.1%         13.5%
   Preferred dividend factor on
   pre-tax basis...........................      6,933        6,400         8,043        6,546        36,363

Total fixed charges (above)................     72,379       68,204        66,725       59,296        52,147
                                            -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   ----------

Fixed charges and preferred dividends
combined................................... $   79,312    $  74,604    $   74,768    $  65,842    $   88,510
                                            ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========   ==========

Ratio of adjusted net margins to fixed
charges and preferred dividends
combined**.................................        1.2          1.1           1.2       (b)           (b)
                                            ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========   ==========

Deficiency of adjusted net margins to
fixed charges and preferred dividends
combined...................................     N/D          N/D           N/D       $  12,599    $   31,530
                                            ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

*        Represents  pre-tax  adjusted  net margin  from  continuing  operations
         divided by after-tax margin, which adjusts dividends on preferred stock
         to a pre-tax basis.

**       Represents adjusted net margin divided by fixed charges and preferred 
         dividends combined.

N/D      No deficiency.

(a)      Adjusted net margins are inadequate to cover total fixed charges.

(b)      Adjusted  net margins  are  inadequate  to cover  total  fixed  charges
         and preferred dividends combined.



<PAGE>


    COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF MARGINS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS
                                    COMBINED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                   AGWAY INC. (PARENT)
                                                               FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30                    PRO FORMA
                                                                 (THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)                         JUNE 1998
                                               ---------------------------------------------------------     ----------------------
                                                 1998        1997        1996        1995        1994         ADJMTS       ADJUSTED
                                               --------    --------    --------    --------     --------     --------      --------


<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>     
Margins before income taxes and
member refunds ............................   $ 19,819    $  3,535    $ 24,106    $  4,600     $(17,330)    $ (1,894)(c)   $ 17,925

Fixed charges - Interest ..................      7,174       6,792       7,156       5,874       14,985        1,894(c)       9,068
              - Rentals .....................    2,375       2,074       1,506       1,960        1,183            0          2,375
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------     --------     --------       --------
Total fixed charges .......................      9,549       8,866       8,662       7,834       16,168        1,894         11,443
                                              --------    --------    --------    --------     --------     --------       --------
Adjusted net margins ......................   $ 29,368    $ 12,401    $ 32,768    $ 12,434     $ (1,162)    $      0       $ 29,368
                                              ========    ========    ========    ========     ========     ========       ========

Ratio of adjusted net margins to total
fixed charges .............................        3.1         1.4         3.8          1.6          (a)                       2.57
                                              ========    ========    ========     ========     ========                   ========

Deficiency of adjusted net margins to
total fixed charges .......................      N/D         N/D         N/D          N/D       $ 17,330                      N/D
                                              ========    ========    ========     ========     ========                   ========

Fixed charges and preferred dividends
 combined:
 Preferred dividend factor:
   Preferred dividend requirements ........   $  3,522    $  4,115    $  4,255    $  4,654     $  4,909     $    (84)(d)   $  3,438
   Ratio of pre-tax margin to
   after-tax margins* .....................      133.1%      323.6%       90.9%     (291.2%)      214.5%       133.1%         133.1%
   Preferred dividend factor on
   pre-tax basis ..........................      2,646       1,272       4,681      (1,598)       2,289          (63)         2,583

Total fixed charges (above) ...............      9,549       8,866       8,662       7,834       16,168        1,894         11,443
                                                          --------    --------    --------     --------     --------       --------

Fixed charges and preferred dividends
combined ..................................   $ 12,195    $ 10,138    $ 13,343    $  6,236     $ 18,457     $  1,831       $ 14,026
                                              ========    ========    ========    ========     ========     ========       ========

Ratio of adjusted net margins to fixed
charges and preferred dividends
combined** ................................        2.4         1.2         2.5          2.0          (b)                       2.09
                                              ========    ========    ========     ========     ========                   ========

Deficiency of adjusted net margins to
fixed charges and preferred dividends .....      N/D         N/D         N/D          N/D       $ 19,619                      N/D
                                              ========    ========    ========     ========     ========                   ========

</TABLE>

*        Represents  pre-tax  adjusted  net margin  from  continuing  operations
         divided by after-tax margin, which adjusts dividends on preferred stock
         to a pre-tax basis.
**       Represents adjusted net margin divided by fixed charges and preferred
         dividends combined.
N/D      No deficiency.

(a)      Adjusted net margins are inadequate to cover total fixed charges.
(b)      Adjusted  net margins  are  inadequate  to cover  total  fixed  charges
         and preferred dividends combined.
(c)      Represents change in annual interest.  Calculated by adding interest on
         certificates and debentures offered hereby and subtracting  interest on
         debentures  redeemed and long-term debt (see "Use of Proceeds"  section
         of Prospectus). Calculation as follows (in 000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Debt Offered:                       Amount (000)            Rate              Extended
                                    -------------           ----           ------------
<S>                                 <C>                     <C>            <C>         
   Money Market Certificates        $      30,000    x      7.00%      =   $      2,100
                                           80,000    x      7.50%      =          6,000
                                           40,000    x      7.75%      =          3,100
                                           50,000    x      8.00%      =          4,000
   Reinvestment Option                     45,000    x       (e)       =          3,285
                                    -------------                          ------------
                                    $     245,000                          $     18,486
                                    =============                          ============

Less: Debt Repaid
   Debentures                       $       1,200    x      8.50%      =   $       (102)
   Certificates                            27,047    x      8.00%      =         (2,164)
                                            6,007    x      8.50%      =           (511)
                                            1,088    x      7.00%      =            (76)
                                              291    x      6.50%      =            (19)
                                           41,156    x      9.00%      =         (3,704)
                                           22,811    x      9.50%      =         (2,167)
                                          142,723    x      5.50%      =         (7,850)
                                    -------------                          -------------
                                    $     242,323                          $    (16,592)
                                    =============                          =============
</TABLE>

(d)      Represents  the change in preferred  stock dividend  requirements  as a
         result of the  current  offering  [$12  ($200 x 6%) + 80 ($1,000 x 8%)]
         less anticipated  redemptions of $(180),  ($2,500 x 7.21%, the weighted
         average  rate paid on  preferred  stock  during the year ended June 30,
         1998).
(e)      Various rates ranging from 4.5% to 9.5%.











                                   EXHIBIT 23


<PAGE>



                               CONSENT OF COUNSEL

      The  consent of David M.  Hayes,  General  Counsel  and  Secretary  of the
Company, is included in his opinions, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 5.



<PAGE>


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS




To the Board of Directors of
    Agway Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  registration  statement on
Form S-3 of our report,  which  includes an explanatory  sentence  relating to a
change  in  pension  accounting,  dated  August  21,  1998 on our  audit  of the
consolidated  financial  statements and financial  statement  schedules of Agway
Inc. and  Consolidated  Subsidiaries  as of June 30, 1998 and 1997,  and for the
years ended June 30, 1998,  1997,  and 1996,  appearing in the Annual  Report on
Form 10-K (SEC File No.  2-22791) of Agway Inc.  and  Consolidated  Subsidiaries
filed with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.

We also  consent to the  reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts"  and
"Selected Financial Data" in this Prospectus.







/s/PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Syracuse, New York
August 31, 1998












                                   EXHIBIT 25
<PAGE>

 
       -------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549
                            -------------------------

                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                    UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
                   A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
                   -------------------------------------------
               CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF
                A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) 
                                                       -------- 
                    ----------------------------------------

                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


NEW YORK                                                             13-4994650
(State of incorporation                                        (I.R.S. employer
if not a national bank)                                     identification No.)

270 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK                                                        10017
(Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)

                               William H. McDavid
                                 General Counsel
                                 270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                               Tel: (212) 270-2611
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
                  ---------------------------------------------
                                   AGWAY, INC.
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE                                                             15-0277720
(State or other jurisdiction of                                (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                              identification No.)
333 BUTTERNUT DRIVE
DEWITT, NEW YORK                                                          13214
(Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)

        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Debt Securities
        ----------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>




                                     GENERAL

Item 1.General Information.

       Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

       (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
 it is subject.

        New York State Banking Department, State House, Albany, New York 12110.

        Board of Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System,  Washington,  D.C.,
        20551

        Federal  Reserve Bank of New York,  District No. 2, 33 Liberty  Street,
        New York, N.Y.

        Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C., 20429.


       (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

            Yes.


Item 2. Affiliations with the Obligor.

        If the  obligor is an  affiliate  of the  trustee,  describe  each such
affiliation.

         None.













                                      - 2 -


<PAGE>


Item 16.   List of Exhibits

           List  below  all  exhibits  filed  as a part  of  this  Statement  of
Eligibility.

            1. A copy of the  Articles of  Association  of the Trustee as now in
effect, including the Organization Certificate and the Certificates of Amendment
dated February 17, 1969, August 31, 1977, December 31, 1980,  September 9, 1982,
February 28, 1985, December 2, 1991 and July 10, 1996 (see Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
filed  in  connection  with  Registration  Statement  No.  333-06249,  which  is
incorporated  by  reference).

            2. A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the Trustee to Commence
Business  (see  Exhibit  2 to Form T-1  filed in  connection  with  Registration
Statement No. 33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996, in
connection  with the  merger  of  Chemical  Bank and The  Chase  Manhattan  Bank
(National  Association),  Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation,  was renamed
The Chase Manhattan Bank).

            3. None,  authorization  to exercise  corporate  trust  powers being
contained in the documents identified above as Exhibits 1 and 2.

            4. A copy of the  existing  By-Laws of the Trustee (see Exhibit 4 to
Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No. 333-06249, which is
incorporated by reference).

            5. Not applicable.

            6. The consent of the Trustee  required by Section 321(b) of the Act
(see Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed in connection with  Registration  Statement No.
33-50010,  which is incorporated  by reference.  On July 14, 1996, in connection
with  the  merger  of  Chemical  Bank and The  Chase  Manhattan  Bank  (National
Association),  Chemical Bank, the surviving  corporation,  was renamed The Chase
Manhattan Bank).

            7.A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee, published
pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

            8. Not applicable.

            9. Not applicable.

                                    SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Trust  Indenture  Act of 1939 the
Trustee,  The Chase Manhattan  Bank, a corporation  organized and existing under
the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of New York and State of New York, on the 28th day of August, 1998.

                                    THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK


                                    By /s/ Sheik Wiltshire
                                      --------------------
                                      Sheik Wiltshire, Second Vice President

                                      - 3 -



<PAGE>
 
                                  

                             Exhibit 7 to Form T-1


                                Bank Call Notice

                             RESERVE DISTRICT NO. 2
                      CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                  of 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
                     and Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
                    a member of the Federal Reserve System,

                  at the close of business March 31, 1998, in
        accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
        District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

                                                                          
                                                                DOLLAR AMOUNTS
                   ASSETS                                         IN MILLIONS
        

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
        Noninterest-bearing balances and
        currency and coin ...................................      $ 12,037
        Interest-bearing balances ...........................         4,054
Securities:
Held to maturity securities .................................         2,340
Available for sale securities ...............................        50,134
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
        agreements to resell ................................        24,982
Loans and lease financing receivables:
        Loans and leases, net of unearned income .... 127,958
        Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses ....  2,797
        Less: Allocated transfer risk reserve ........      0
                                                      -------
        Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
        allowance, and reserve ..............................       125,161
Trading Assets ..............................................        61,820
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized
        leases) .............................................         2,961
Other real estate owned .....................................           347
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and
        associated companies ................................           242
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances
        outstanding .........................................         1,380
Intangible assets ...........................................         1,549
Other assets ................................................        11,727
                                                                   --------

TOTAL ASSETS ................................................      $298,734
                                                                   ========
                                   - 4 -
<PAGE>




                                LIABILITIES

Deposits
        In domestic offices ......................................   $  96,682
        Noninterest-bearing ...............................$38,074
        Interest-bearing ...................................58,608
                                                           -------
        In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement,
        subsidiaries and IBF's ...................................      72,630
        Noninterest-bearing ...............................$ 3,289
        Interest-bearing .................................. 69,341

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agree-
ments to repurchase ..............................................      42,735
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury .........................         872
Trading liabilities ..............................................      45,545

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness
        and obligations under capitalized leases):
        With a remaining maturity of one year or less ............       4,454
        With a remaining maturity of more than one year
               through three years ...............................         231
      With a remaining maturity of more than three years .........         106
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding .........       1,380
Subordinated notes and debentures ................................       5,708
Other liabilities ................................................      11,295

TOTAL LIABILITIES ................................................     281,638
                                                                     ---------
                              EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ....................           0
Common stock .....................................................       1,211
Surplus  (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ........      10,291
Undivided profits and capital reserves ...........................       5,579
Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
on available-for-sale securities .................................          (1)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ..............          16

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL .............................................      17,096
                                                                     ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL .............................   $ 298,734
                                                                     =========
I, Joseph L. Sclafani, E.V.P. & Controller of the above-named
bank, do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has
been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued
by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true
to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                     JOSEPH L. SCLAFANI

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness 
of this Report of Condition and declare that it has been
examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and
belief has been prepared in conformance with the in-
structions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory
authority and is true and correct.

                                     WALTER V.  SHIPLEY      )
                                     THOMAS G.  LABRECQUE    ) DIRECTORS
                                     WILLIAM B. HARRISON, JR.)

                                    -5-



<PAGE>
    
       -------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C. 20549
                           -------------------------

                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                    UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
                   A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
                  -------------------------------------------
              CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF
                A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)
                                                       ------- 
                    ----------------------------------------

                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


NEW YORK                                                              13-4994650
(State of incorporation                                         (I.R.S. employer
if not a national bank)                                      identification No.)

270 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK                                                         10017
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

                               William H. McDavid
                                General Counsel
                                270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                              Tel: (212) 270-2611
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
                 ---------------------------------------------
                          AGWAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE                                                              06-1174232
(State or other jurisdiction of                                 (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                               identification No.)
1105 NORTH MARKET STREET, SUITE 1300
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE                                                       19801
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

           ----------------------------------------------------------
                                DEBT SECURITIES
           ----------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>





                                    GENERAL


Item 1.General Information.

       Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

       (a)Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to  which
 it is subject.

        New York State Banking Department, State House, Albany, New York 12110.

        Board of  Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System,  Washington,  D.C.,
        20551

        Federal Reserve Bank of New York, District No. 2, 33 Liberty Street, New
        York, N.Y.

        Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C., 20429.


        (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

        Yes.


Item 2. Affiliations with the Obligor.

        If the  obligor  is an  affiliate  of the  trustee,  describe  each such
affiliation.

        None.













                                     - 2 -


<PAGE>




Item 16.List of Exhibits

        List  below  all  exhibits   filed  as  a  part  of  this  Statement  of
Eligibility.

        1. A copy  of the  Articles  of  Association  of the  Trustee  as now in
effect, including the Organization Certificate and the Certificates of Amendment
dated February 17, 1969, August 31, 1977, December 31, 1980,  September 9, 1982,
February 28, 1985, December 2, 1991 and July 10, 1996 (see Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
filed  in  connection  with  Registration  Statement  No.  333-06249,  which  is
incorporated by reference).

        2. A copy of the  Certificate  of  Authority  of the Trustee to Commence
Business  (see  Exhibit  2 to Form T-1  filed in  connection  with  Registration
Statement No. 33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996, in
connection  with the  merger  of  Chemical  Bank and The  Chase  Manhattan  Bank
(National  Association),  Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation,  was renamed
The Chase Manhattan Bank).

        3.  None,   authorization  to  exercise  corporate  trust  powers  being
contained in the documents identified above as Exhibits 1 and 2.

        4. A copy of the existing  By-Laws of the Trustee (see Exhibit 4 to Form
T-1 filed in connection  with  Registration  Statement No.  333-06249,  which is
incorporated by reference).

        5. Not applicable.

        6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act (see
Exhibit  6 to Form T-1  filed in  connection  with  Registration  Statement  No.
33-50010,  which is incorporated  by reference.  On July 14, 1996, in connection
with  the  merger  of  Chemical  Bank and The  Chase  Manhattan  Bank  (National
Association),  Chemical Bank, the surviving  corporation,  was renamed The Chase
Manhattan Bank).

        7. A copy of the latest  report of condition  of the Trustee,  published
pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

        8. Not applicable.

        9. Not applicable.

                                   SIGNATURE

        Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the Trust  Indenture  Act of 1939 the
Trustee,  The Chase Manhattan  Bank, a corporation  organized and existing under
the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of New York and State of New York, on the 28th day of August, 1998.

                                  THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK


                                  By /s/ Sheik Wiltshire
                                     -------------------
                                    Sheik Wiltshire, Second Vice President



                                      -3-

<PAGE>
 
                                  

                             Exhibit 7 to Form T-1


                                Bank Call Notice

                             RESERVE DISTRICT NO. 2
                      CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                  of 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
                     and Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
                    a member of the Federal Reserve System,

                  at the close of business March 31, 1998, in
        accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
        District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

                                                                           
                                                                DOLLAR AMOUNTS
                   ASSETS                                         IN MILLIONS
        

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
        Noninterest-bearing balances and
        currency and coin ...................................      $ 12,037
        Interest-bearing balances ...........................         4,054
Securities:
Held to maturity securities .................................         2,340
Available for sale securities ...............................        50,134
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
        agreements to resell ................................        24,982
Loans and lease financing receivables:
        Loans and leases, net of unearned income .... 127,958
        Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses ....  2,797
        Less: Allocated transfer risk reserve ........      0
                                                      -------
        Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
        allowance, and reserve ..............................       125,161
Trading Assets ..............................................        61,820
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized
        leases) .............................................         2,961
Other real estate owned .....................................           347
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and
        associated companies ................................           242
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances
        outstanding .........................................         1,380
Intangible assets ...........................................         1,549
Other assets ................................................        11,727
                                                                   --------

TOTAL ASSETS ................................................      $298,734
                                                                   ========

                                   - 4 -


<PAGE>



                                LIABILITIES

Deposits
        In domestic offices ......................................   $  96,682
        Noninterest-bearing ...............................$38,074
        Interest-bearing ...................................58,608
                                                           -------
        In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement,
        subsidiaries and IBF's ...................................      72,630
        Noninterest-bearing ...............................$ 3,289
        Interest-bearing .................................. 69,341

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agree-
ments to repurchase ..............................................      42,735
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury .........................         872
Trading liabilities ..............................................      45,545

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness
        and obligations under capitalized leases):
        With a remaining maturity of one year or less ............       4,454
        With a remaining maturity of more than one year
               through three years ...............................         231
      With a remaining maturity of more than three years .........         106
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding .........       1,380
Subordinated notes and debentures ................................       5,708
Other liabilities ................................................      11,295

TOTAL LIABILITIES ................................................     281,638
                                                                     ---------
                              EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ....................           0
Common stock .....................................................       1,211
Surplus  (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ........      10,291
Undivided profits and capital reserves ...........................       5,579
Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
on available-for-sale securities .................................          (1)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ..............          16

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL .............................................      17,096
                                                                     ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL .............................   $ 298,734
                                                                     =========
I, Joseph L. Sclafani, E.V.P. & Controller of the above-named
bank, do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has
been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued
by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true
to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                    JOSEPH L. SCLAFANI

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness 
of this Report of Condition and declare that it has been
examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and
belief has been prepared in conformance with the in-
structions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory
authority and is true and correct.

                                     WALTER V.  SHIPLEY      )
                                     THOMAS G.  LABRECQUE    ) DIRECTORS
                                     WILLIAM B. HARRISON, JR.)

                                       -5-




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